Product Description

An account of all things Christmassy from the Gospels to mistletoe to Rudolph and the other reindeer, to shopping and the Star in the East. An exploration of all the myths, customs, confusions, rituals and icons presented in an informative way suitable for all the family.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #538211 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

About the Author
Patrick Harding is the author of many books including How to Identify Edible Mushrooms and How to Identify Trees. For the last ten years he has been running courses and seminars around the country on Christmas and it's traditions and has appeared on the Today programme, Radio 4, and an hour long Ch5 programme to be shown Christmas 2001. He has been asked so frequently - 'Is there a book on the talk?' that he decided to write one. He is married to Jean Binney, a botanical artist, and they have two children, Martin and Bryony - who know that Patrick's beard is real! Patrick lives in Sheffield in a house with two chimneys.

Customer Reviews

best christmas book
This book is simply the best book ever written on the history and traditions of the British Christmas.

I've spent years reading many mnay books similar to this one, and they range from good to rubbish, but this one has everything. It is comprehensive, covering all the ground from the nativity to the Christmas card. It is accurate, using up-to-date scholarship, and it is well-written with just enough personal touches and humour.

Don't waste you money on anything else (especially Judy Rouse), get this one.

By the way I have no connection to the book, author, publisher or anyone involved, I am just very impressed.

Wayne Clarke, Liverpool