English Christmas

John Julius Norwich's latest Christmas Cracker, "An English Christmas," is a collection of the best writing about the festive season, featuring stories, letters, recipes, and poems. It vividly evokes the good and darker aspects of Christmas, converting any Scrooge into an instant enthusiast.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: John Murray Press

Scrooge's indignation was palpable as he expressed his desire to see those who professed "Merry Christmas" on their lips be subjected to a peculiar punishment. He proposed that they should be boiled in their own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through their hearts. Reflecting on the upcoming year, Scrooge suggested a range of unconventional Christmas experiences. He recommended going carol-singing in the picturesque Cotswolds with the renowned Laurie Lee, attending church with the grumpy Samuel Pepys, making plum puddings for the bewildered French villagers alongside Elizabeth David, engaging in present shopping with the literary icon Virginia Woolf, and indulging in excessive feasting with Agatha Christie. Scrooge even proposed celebrating Christmas at the grand Chatsworth estate, in a workhouse, or even marooned in the icy wilderness with the legendary explorer Shackleton.

For forty-five years, the arrival of John Julius Norwich's latest Christmas Cracker has become an integral part of the Christmas experience, alongside the traditional symbols of holly and mistletoe. In his remarkable book, "An English Christmas," the late legendary popular historian has compiled a collection of the finest writing about this unique and unforgettable time of year. Norwich's exceptional storytelling skills are evident on every page, as he vividly evokes the best aspects of the festive season while also delving into its darker undertones.

This unexpected anthology offers a delightful blend of humor, warmth, and contemplation. Eight-year-old Princess Margaret's thank-you list shares space with poignant letters home from the trenches, where soldiers bravely fought for their country. Sherlock Holmes solves his most challenging case, showcasing his remarkable deductive abilities. George Orwell shares his thoughts on indigestion, while Jane Austen explores the reluctance of social interactions. Thomas Hardy delves into the old folk belief that all animals kneel at midnight on December 24th. The book also includes ghost stories, games, and peculiar recipes, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the festive season.

An English Christmas is a treasure trove of diverse literary genres, featuring diary entries, recipes, letters, poems, short stories, and more. The eclectic mix of content creates a rich and captivating experience that can transform even the most scrooge-like individuals into instant enthusiasts of the Christmas spirit. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the carol-singing, attend church with Samuel Pepys, or indulge in feasting with Agatha Christie, this book will transport you to a world of festive wonder and inspire you to embrace the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473665934