OLD CHRISTMAS

This elegant gift edition brings together Washington Irving's five Christmas stories in a single volume, presented with a delightful gold-embossed cover design, gilded page edges and original illustrations. Originally published in 1819-20 and illustrated by Randolph Caldecott as part of a larger collection of short stories, the five stories in Old Christmas describe English traditions of Christmas and recount the festivities that Irving experienced while visiting Aston Hall, (here known as 'Bracebridge Hall'), a Jacobean mansion near Birmingham. 'Christmas' reflects on the meaning of Christmas and the ceremonies and festivities that attend it. 'The Stage Coach' follows the protagonist as he spends Christmas eve in a small town during a coach stop. 'Christmas Eve', 'Christmas Day' and 'The Christmas Dinner' recount Irving's memories at Aston Hall, including the sumptuous banquet and joyful family time of the Christmas dinner. Featuring original black and white illustrations such as the old English stage coachman, the public house, the housemaid, the Smithy, Christmas Day, the children's carol, rebuking the Sexton, the fat-headed old gentleman, the parsons tail and more by popular artist Randolph Caldecott and engraver James D. Cooper working together con amore, these nostalgic recollections of Christmas traditions in 19th century England are a perfect way to celebrate a warm and romantic view of an English Christmas. Luxury facsimile reprint as a tribute to the author of the 1876 edition. 208 pages, 10.5 x 16.5cm. Full price.