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 captivating 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.

With atmospheric sound design, this ultimately uplifting tale is a festive delight to be treasured and listened to again and again.

Duration: 3 hours approx

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.

An Instant Tradition

What did you love best about Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'?

Tom Baker's rich, plummy tones are a perfect match for this most popular of all Christmas-themed tales.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a tale that can at once send shivers down your spine on a chilly Christmas Eve and make you yearn to celebrate the spirit of the season all year long.

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

I've heard Baker's interpretation of The Hound of the Baskerville, as well as his participating role in a full-cast presentation of Nicholas Nickleby. I've further enjoyed his quirky new take on his most famous role, Dr. Who, in BBC Radio's Nest Cottage series of stories. And I've also heard his more-traditional take on the role in the latest Big Finish 4th Doctor adventures.

Baker has always been, and remains, a masterful narrator. The only other actors I can think of who can offer any challenge to him (IMHO) are RSC stalwarts Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan and Derek Jacobi. Not bad company to keep! This latest performance continues his impeccable standards of audio narration.

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

Few romantics can fail to be moved by the scene in which the old miser watches his younger self allow the girl that he once loved - and his best chance for a truly meaningful and happy life - walk out of his live forever, with the heart-breaking words... "for love of him you once were."

Any additional comments?

I'm a big Dickens fan who has made The Christmas Carol a part of my holiday season every year since I was 18. I've read the novella many times over the intervening years and regularly look to incorporate new takes of the tale into each Christmas. I always try to watch at least one screen adaptation each year also.

In recent years I've tried to make time to squeeze in at least one other Dickens Christmas tale each year. I highly recommend the short story "The Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" which shares many themes with The Carol. But Cricket on the Hearth, A Christmas Tree and The Chimes are also favorites. The Signalman is an unrelated ghostly tale that seems - for no good reason - to fit the season well.

I'm looking forward to sharing this excellent and evocative new audio adaptation with my family and hope that it becomes a part of many Christmases to come. Thanks for this early Christmas present!