November 2009 | Rebecca Rego Barry

Christmas in New York

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If you find yourself in New York during the holidays, there are a few seasonal activities that top most tourists' to-do lists. The tree at Rockefeller Center will be lit on Wednesday, Dec. 2 (so plan accordingly). Or the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Perhaps Macy's flagship store in Herald Square is more your style. But for book lovers, yet another treasure awaits. The Morgan Library & Museum exhibits the original manuscript of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from November 20 through January 10.

About a decade ago, when I worked in the book publishing world, I worked with Dickens' great-great-grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens, on another little Christmas book called The Life of Our Lord. When he visited New York, the Morgan Library was the first place I brought him. We were lucky enough to have a private viewing of the Carol manuscript. It is a beauty. If you're in town, don't miss it. If you're not in town, well, you may still be in luck. Next month in Fine Books, we'll have a special feature on Dickens and his popular Christmas book, which you can enjoy wherever you are.