• Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'

  • By: Charles Dickens
  • Narrated by: Tom Baker
  • Length: 3 hrs
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (172 ratings)

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Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'  By  cover art

Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Tom Baker
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Publisher's summary

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

What listeners say about Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'

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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!

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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excellent

I have listened to at least six different narrations of the story, and this Tom Baker version is the best.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Splendid!

I liked very minute of this magnificent version of a truly marvelous work.
I strongly recommend it.
It makes the celebration of Christmas a magic and delightful event.

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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Tom Baker is Excellent as Scrooge!

Tom Baker, best known as an incarnation of the TV series "Doctor Who," reads this classic tale wonderfully. He brings the story to life with his unique voice in a way that only a few other high-caliber actors have. I highly recommend this version of the most popular Dickens, and perhaps Christmas story ever.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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It's Tom Baker

How can you go wrong with that great of a narrator. He can take a classic and give it a wonderful spin on it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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The Voice, the Voice of a Legend!

I've always been a fan of DOCTOR WHO and Tom Baker, but this is an excellent narration of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Barring the George C. Scott movie, this is my favorite tradition to enjoy during the holidays.

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  • Overall
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Tom Baker reads A Christmas Carol

A truly masterful performance by Tom Baker of a Christmas classic by Charles Dickens, who performed this tale himself on occasion later in his life. Tom Baker inhabits the many characters with vim and vigor and (one can only assume) heartfelt enthusiasm. I have listened to Tim Curry’s Audible presentation as well as Patrick Stewart’s and Tom Baker’s narration/performance is among these as my favorites. The author’s words are given life and breath and warmth, a gift.

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