Deck the Hall

'Christmas carols are sung in church, therefore Christmas carols have always been sung in church.

Christmas carols have these words and this tune, therefore Christmas carols have always had these words and this tune.

Well, not really.

Our carol tradition, like us, is a rich and dynamic mixture. An ecosystem, not a still life.'

Written with effervescent charm and professional knowledge, composer and conductor Andrew Gant reveals the fascinating musical and social history behind our favourite Christmas carols.

From the Annunciation to Epiphany, the episodes of the Christmas story link the tales and anecdotes behind twenty-seven carols from a variety of traditions and places of origin: those that come from folk song; those we owe to Victorian moralists, and those that are, in fact, French. As Andrew says, 'Some carols were born to Christmas, some have achieved Christmas, and some have had Christmas thrust upon them.'

This wonderful, rich musical treat gives us a unique insight into our Yuletide traditions and customs. A delightful gift for anyone who loves to sing, or who just loves Christmas trivia, this is the ideal companion with which to while away those lazy days between Christmas and New Year.

'Ding dong! This is my kind of Christmas present. A musical Christmas cracker -

fascinating and full of interesting surprises.'

Gyles Brandreth

'Enlightening and entertaining. You'll never hear or sing these carols in the same way again'

Anne-Marie Minhall

'And I thought I knew about Christmas carols.'

John Rutter

'An unexpected romp through a festive slice of musical history, with Gant our thoroughly entertaining guide.'

BBC Music Magazine

What an absolute gem of a book. It's much more than a history of carols. Gant has one of those rare minds that can bring together strands from so many different histories: language, literature, music, dance, church, societal and political histories all gather in this book. Our understanding of the wonderfully complex and fertile soil which has enabled the birth and nourished the development of the carols we all think we know so well is hugely enriched. It is meticulously researched and beautifully presented, and yet is anything but dry. Gant's writing rolls merrily with wit and love, and it is a joy to read. I shall be giving it to everyone for Christmas! James Gilchrist, Tenor
Ding dong, merrily on high ... this is my kind of Christmas present. A musical Christmas cracker - fascinating and full of interesting surprises. Gyles Brandreth
After reading this book, I'll never think about these much-loved Christmas carols in the same light again! Andrew Gant gives a fascinating context to each of them - an insight into life at the time they evolved, an idea of why the writer was moved to create these lines, and the way in which melodies and verses have been so perfectly partnered down the years that we find it hard to believe people in other countries might choose a completely different tune. There's a wealth of facts for each carol, but Andrew has a light touch that engages us in the detail, whilst drawing us ever closer to the seasonal wonder and glory of Christ's birth on that holy night in Bethlehem. -- Pam Rhodes
The book is a veritable treasure trove of facts and knowledge not just about the featured carols, but about the roots of each and is testament to the knowledge and background of the author. Life and Work
An unexpected romp through a festive slice of musical history, with Gant our thoroughly entertaining guide. BBC Music magazine
Profound and light-hearted by turns ... this will make an ideal Christmas present. But equally it is a book worth getting in advance to serve as Advent spiritual reading. The Tablet
This is an excellent book. Its author not only clearly enjoys writing about the topic, but enjoys life itself. -- Hugh Morris Church Times
The depth of research in the book is impressive ... rich background material for Christmas sermons. -- Steven Faux Preach
Can satisfy the most ardent music buff and still be entertaining to the reader who knows nothing about music but likes a good tune. -- Ian Fosten Reform

Andrew Gant is a notable composer, conductor, and university lecturer. He has directed many leading choirs, including those of the Guards' Chapel, Selwyn College, Cambridge, and Her (now His) Majesty's Chapel Royal based at St James's Palace in London, where he led the choir at many state events. Andrew has published several books on musical topics. He lives in Oxford, where he is also involved in local politics.

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