The Holly Tree was first published by Charles Dickens in 1855. It's an interesting study of class connection filled with Dickens' ear for the speaking patterns of various classes. The interaction of classes is also a dawning experience for the primary narrator who in chapter one is exposed to all sorts of horror stories in print but does not hear a story of selfless loss until he invites a servant to sit with him and chat. The book tells a delightful little tale with its dual romance. The "second branch", telling of the elopement of two small children for Gretna Green, was one of the best liked of author's readings, and it remains today probably one of the most popular of minor writings of Charles Dickens. The book is full of the kindliest of humor. It gives an odd idea and gets something of the effect of a Fairy Story out of the most unlikely materials.