By Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, The Paris Review - On January 2, 1840, Dickens wrote to his printers, Bradbury and Evans, to thank them for their annual Christmas gift of a turkey. He chose his words with care: My Dear Sirs, ... I determined not to thank you for the Turkey until it was quite gone, in order that you might have a becoming idea of its astonishing capabilities... The last remnant of that blessed bird made its appearance at breakfast yesterday—I repeat it, yesterday—the other portions having furnished forth seven grills, one boil, and a cold lunch or two.