Simon Callow is one of Britain's best known (and also best loved actors) - featuring in such films as 'A Room with a View' or 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'. He also tours the English speaking world in a programme devoted to Charles Dickens - and this is what makes him such a suitable author for this book.
Nobody needs an introduction to Dickens' masterpiece, it has been turned into a film umpteen times, and also into a musical. It remains the quintessential heartwarming story - not only for Christmas.
Callow not only gives the reader the story of the book/novel/carol, call it what you will, he also paints a vivid picture of the history of Christmas itself (and its pagan roots), gives a short sketch on how Father Christmas got his 'image', a biography of Dickens, and he describes the influence this little book had on British and American culture - not only 'inventing' many Christmas traditions for many people, but also leading to many real-life Scrooges changing their ways at least once a year and give their employees the day off for Christmas.
The book also includes Dickens' complete text and many excellent pictures and illustrations. All in all then - a very nice book (and an excellent present - especially for oneself).