A Christmas Carol

A BBC Radio Reading

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Tom Baker

Tom Baker reads Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story.

Charles Dickens' story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by the three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, has become one of the timeless classics of English literature. First published in 1843, it introduces us not only to Scrooge himself but also to the memorable characters of underpaid desk clerk Bob Cratchit and his poor family, the poorest amongst whom is the ailing and crippled Tiny Tim.

In this new recording, Tom Baker delivers a tour-de-force performance as he narrates the story. The listener joins Scrooge on Christmas Eve, witnesses the visitation of Marley's ghost, and is given a glimpse of the many homes and lives which Scrooge has touched in his wretched life to date. This ultimately uplifting tale is a festive delight to be treasured and listened to again and again.

©2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Outstanding

For those who love A Christmas Carol and Tom Baker, this is the perfect purchase. I love it! Tom brings much passion to the reading in ways that, for me, produced a feel of actually being in the story!

The Tom Baker narration is the best ever!

This is the best version of A Christmas Carol I have ever heard narrated. Tom Baker is the best!Listening to this audio book will become my new Christmas Eve tradition. I shall time it so that it ends as the sun is coming up on Christmas Day!

A Must for Tom Baker Fans

Would you consider the audio edition of Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. Tom Baker has an excellent voice and his delivery is perfect.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Well, it is a classic story even if Charles Dickens is a bit off.

Have you listened to any of Tom Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't. I did realize he did. I would listen to the newspaper if Tom read it.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Old grouch gets a personality overhaul.

Most excellent!

this is the first time I have listened to this story, I have heard the dramatization of it but never heard or read the actual book. this is truly a treasure, loved how Tom Baker narrated the book. he is one of my favorite actors.

Excellent reading of a classic story.

Tom Baker gives a brilliant performance here. The reading is stirring and heartfelt. Merry Christmas.

Tom Baker Brings New Life to Old Xmas Chestnut

Would you consider the audio edition of Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to be better than the print version?

Definitely. While I respect "A Christmas Carol" as a major cultural influence, it has never been one of my favorite Christmas stories. Tom Baker's narration makes it much more enjoyable for me.

What other book might you compare Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to and why?

In the '70s and '80s Tom Baker narrated a few ghost stories and abridged sci-fi classics like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Anyone who has heard those will find that his narration style has not changed. He has a theatrical delivery that fits the Victorian text (portions of which Dickens himself performed to audiences).

What about Tom Baker’s performance did you like?

It's so alive! This is not a clipped, "proper" reading of a classic, but a living text. Baker's voice is rich and plummy, with different tones for different characters and a lot of enthusiasm both in happy moments and chilling reveals. This is truly a performance, as if a favorite uncle came over for Christmas and started reading you the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was surprised by the material in "A Christmas Carol" which doesn't get adapted by most filmmakers (we've all seen multiple TV or movie versions, right?). My favorite is when the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge on a tour of London and reveals to him the two children under his robes: the boy, Ignorance, and the girl, Want. "Beware them both, but most of all - beware this boy!"

Any additional comments?

I haven't read "A Christmas Carol" in over a decade because the story has never been a favorite. I'm so pleased I took a chance on this audiobook and reacquainted myself. I would recommend this performance to anyone.

Captured the spirit of the story perfectly

I admit that I noticed this recording because one of my favorite Doctors read it. But I bought it because I also knew he had magnificent pipes. And he did not disappoint; his performance brought out every mood. Anger, sorrow, remorse, laughter and quiet joy all came through as they never had even when reading the story, through his interpretation, and I intend to look at more of his readings, if by good fortune there are any.

Amazingly Perfect

Absolutely fantastic performance by Tom Baker. I would recommend this version to any fan of the classic story.

Best reading ever!

I loved hearing Tom Baker read A Christmas Carol. His performance is stellar! I’m happy to add this to my collection, along with the movies and print book.

New favorite version of a classic.

Tom Baker's voice had the perfect grandfatherly timbre which have the feel of being in a sitting room, lit only by a yule log and being read to before going to bed. He did such a great job of "doing the voices" that puts his reading of this classic amongst my favorite film versions such as Alistair Sim and Al Finney.