A Christmas Carol

Even if you only have a passing interest in books, you need to visit The Pierpont Morgan Library if you're ever in NYC.  The Morgan is actually more of a museum than a library.  The Morgan has one of the greatest collections of rare artistic, literary and musical works from ancient times to the present.

Of all of its collections, the Morgan is probably best know for its literary collection though.  In describing its literary collection, the Morgan's website notes "it is rich in special and unique copies, first editions of classical authors and works of notable printers.  Among the highlights are three Gutenberg Bibles."

Included among Morgan's rare and one-of-a-kinds items is Charles Dickens' original manuscript for A Christmas Carol (which can be viewed online).  As it turns out, it's the 200 year anniversary of Charles Dicken's birth.  In honor of this anniversary, the Morgan has a special exhibit.  (And if you happen to know someone who is a big Dickens or A Christmas Carol fan, I have a unique gift suggestion for you.)

The Morgan isn't the only place the 200th anniversary is being celebrated.  Not only are there special exhibits at the Dickens Museum and the London Museum, there's even a special website dedicated to the anniversary.

While we're on the subject, this is my favorite adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol: