The Christmas Book

Phaidon editors, with essays by Sam Bilton, Dolph Gotelli, and David Trigg

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

Christmas is a joyous religious and cultural celebration 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 also become a secular holiday with a myriad decorations, rituals, and themes. In The Christmas Book , the significant artistic and cultural influence of Christmas throughout history is explored through a wide range of beautiful and significant works. A stunning and surprising book to treasure.

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.

Showcases a broad spectrum of festive themes including Advent and the Nativity; the Christmas tree and holiday decorations; gift giving and carol singing; and classic Christmas films and music

Features traditions from many different cultures, such as fried chicken for Christmas dinner, surfing Santas, and shoes filled with carrots -

Also available:

It’s Christmas Everywhere: Celebrations from Around the World

Includes a wide range of works and media including books, paintings, prints, textiles, ceramics, sculptures, and photography

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The selection of stunning works includes a diverse range of both lesser-known and iconic artists, including Botticelli, Grandma Moses, Beatrix Potter, Shirazeh Houshiary, Paul Rand, and more

Perfect for a wide audience, the book has diverse appeal – from artists, photographers, and art historians, to anyone looking for the perfect festive giftfrom top left to bottom right: Carl Fischer, Sonny Liston Esquire cover, 1963; Alice Bailly, Joy Around the Tree 1914; Alexander Girard, The Nativity, c.1962; John Leech, Marley’s ghost, from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, 1843; Bettini, Panettone advertisement, 1951; Nutcracker figure, 1970; Joel Meyerowitz, JFK Airport, New York City, 1968