The Christmas Book

This book is a beautiful and unique visual celebration of Christmas, featuring over 200 images of festive traditions from around the world. It explores the religious origins of Christmas, the Christmas tree and decorations, gift-giving and carol singing, classic Christmas films, and festive music. The works include pieces by famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Grandma Moses, and Norman Rockwell, and essays by experts on traditional festive food and drink, Santa Claus, and the religious origins of Christmas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Phaidon Press Ltd

Christmas, a joyous religious and cultural celebration observed by billions of people around the world, has a rich and multifaceted history. Its origins trace back to the Christian observance of the birth of Christ on December 25th, and since the early 20th century, it has evolved into a secular holiday adorned with countless decorations, rituals, and themes. This captivating book delves into various aspects of Christmas, encompassing advent and the nativity, the Christmas tree and holiday decorations, gift-giving and carol singing, classic Christmas films, and festive music.

The book showcases a diverse range of global festive traditions, from the quirky to the iconic. It features a collection of over 200 rich and evocative images, paintings, books, prints, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and photography, carefully curated to highlight similarities and contrasts between them. The works included feature a wide array of both lesser-known and iconic artists, such as Sandro Botticelli, Grandma Moses, Beatrix Potter, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and many more.

These significant works cover festive topics such as Advent, the Christmas tree and holiday decorations, gift-giving and carol singing, and classic Christmas films and music. In addition, the book includes essays by Sam Bilton, Dolph Gotelli, and David Trigg that explore traditional festive food and drink, the history of Santa Claus, and the religious origins of Christmas.

The Christmas Book is a testament to the profound artistic and cultural influence of Christmas throughout history. It serves as a treasured resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this beloved holiday. Whether you are a seasoned Christmas enthusiast or a newcomer to the festive season, this book will captivate your senses and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and joy.

Weight: 1878g
Dimension: 277 x 240 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838665968