Old Christmas

This elegant gift edition brings together Washington Irving's five Christmas stories in a single volume, presented with a delightful gold-embossed cover design, gilded page edges and original illustrations.

Originally published in 1819-20 and illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, the five stories in Old Christmas describe English traditions of Christmas and recount the festivities that Irving experienced while visiting Aston Hall, (here known as 'Bracebridge Hall'), a Jacobean mansion near Birmingham, UK.

'Christmas' reflects on the meaning of Christmas and the ceremonies and festivities that attend it. 'The Stage Coach' follows the protagonist as he spends Christmas eve in a small town during a coach stop. 'Christmas Eve', 'Christmas Day' and 'The Christmas Dinner' recount Irving's memories at Aston Hall, including the sumptuous banquet and joyful family time of the Christmas dinner.

Featuring original black and white illustrations by Randolph Caldecott, these nostalgic recollections of Christmas traditions in 19th century England are a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

About the Author

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat. He is best known for his short stories 'Rip Van Winkle' (1819) and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'(1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. He wrote biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain. Irving served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s. Irving was one of the first American writers to find acclaim in Europe and admirers included Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Mary Shelley, and Walter Scott.

Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) was an influential British artist and book illustrator. His work was exhibited by the Royal Academy and was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1882. Among well-known admirers of his work were Gauguin and Van Gogh.