The Christmas Book

Author: Phaidon Editors, Sam Bilton and Dolph Gotelli

Hardcover

A visual celebration of Christmas, from religious beginnings to festive cultural touchstones – a book to treasure

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Summary

A visual celebration of Christmas, from religious beginnings to festive cultural touchstones – a book to treasure

Description

A visual celebration of Christmas, from religious beginnings to festive cultural touchstones - a book to treasure

This book is a unique and groundbreaking visual celebration of Christmas, a joyous religious and cultural occasion observed by billions of people around the world. The origins of Christmas are in the Christian observance of the birth of Christ on 25 December and, since the early 20th century, it has become a secular holiday with a myriad decorations, rituals, and themes. Key themes covered include advent and the nativity; the Christmas tree and holiday decorations; gift giving and carol singing; classic Christmas films; and festive music. This extraordinary book showcases a broad spectrum of global festive traditions from many different cultures, such as fried chicken eaten for Christmas dinner, surfing Santas, and shoes filled with carrots.

A collection of more than 200 rich and evocative images, paintings, books, prints, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and photography, thoughtfully paired to highlight similarities and contrasts between them, the works included feature a diverse range of both lesser-known and iconic artists, including 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. Essays by Sam Bilton, Dolph Gotelli and David Trigg explore traditional festive food and drink, Santa Claus throughout history, and the religious origins of Christmas.

In The Christmas Book, the significant artistic and cultural influence of Christmas throughout history is explored through a wide range of beautiful and significant artworks and images from across the ages and six continents, creating the ultimate cultural companion to the festive season.

Critic Reviews

'It'll double as decor and a conversation starter for anyone who visits your home during the season.' – Buzzfeed

‘Who knew a Christmas coffee table book would be such a festive decoration necessity?’ – ELLE

‘Christmas, but make it a book. These stunning pages showcase global traditions, like surfing Santas, shoes filled with carrots, the Nativity, gift giving, and more.’ – Real Simple

'A jolly look at Christmas via design and artifacts.' – Associated Press

‘Glorious … this oversize offering is meant to be browsed through and marveled at, whether it's Christmastime or not.’ – Booklist

‘The Christmas Book captures the nostalgia and iconography of Christmas in full-color pictorial splendor.' – Foreword Reviews

'Sure to spur a feeling of nostalgia in anyone who grew up celebrating the holiday.' – Duluth News Tribune

‘A beautiful holiday gift.’ – Marie Leslie, The Leslie Lifestyle

‘A treasure trove of the traditions, lore, rituals and spirituality of “the most wonderful time of the year.” – The Media Tourist

‘Covers the holiday and all its myriad forms, from the advent and the nativity to decorations, rituals, and theme.’ – Uncrate

'This quintessential holiday gift is not only a delight for Christmas enthusiasts but also a treasure for those fascinated by art, design, and pop culture.' – Quest Magazine

About the Author

Sam Bilton is a food historian, writer and cook, with a particular focus on historical recipes. Dolph Gotelli is an international expert and lecturer on Christmas, holiday rituals, and Santa Claus. He is Professor Emeritus of Design at University of California, Davis. David Trigg is a writer, critic, and art historian. He is a regular contributor to books on art.