The Christmas Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

William D. Crump (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001

Christmas is special for many people around the world, and over the many centuries that people have been celebrating the holiday, it has changed with the times. This reference work presents a tremendous amount of information about the Christmas holiday from its inception around A.D. 350 to the present day. Covering not only Christmas day but the entire season from Advent through Epiphany, 346 entries provide details on historical events that have shaped Christmas; St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, and other mythical beings that spread gifts around the world; symbols such as the Yule log, Christmas tree, holly, and mistletoe; sacred and popular carols and other music; and customs in the United States and around the world. Unique to this work is its emphasis on Christmas as depicted in the popular media, with entries on literary works, motion pictures, and television specials expressing holiday themes.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Crump, a retired physician with a longtime interest in Christmas, presents more than 340 entries on subjects "which have remained Christmas treasures through popular association and usage over decades...and which place strong emphasis on Christmas as depicted in the popular media." The brief entries include television specials, holiday episodes of television series, movies, cartoons, literary subjects, biblical events, secular events, and various holiday observances around the world. Despite the title, the book includes Hanukkah and Kwanzaa along with other worldwide holiday celebrations and covers the Christmas season from Advent through the Epiphany. Plentiful cross references are found throughout. The article on Mexico, for example, includes cross references to "Las Posadas," "Central America," "South America," "Candlemas," "Epiphany," "Feast of Fools," "Holy Innocents Day," "Mass of the Rooster," "Nativity Scene," and "Poinsettia." The detailed index makes the material even more accessible by referencing the performers, producers, writers, and actors of the songs, movies, and television shows cited as well as some historical figures. Six pages of references include books, periodicals, and web sites. There is very little duplication with Tanya Gulevich's Encyclopedia of Christmas, which focuses on history and tradition rather than popular culture. And while the smaller if more highly illustrated World Encyclopedia of Christmas (McClelland & Stewart, 2000) does focus on popular culture, the subject is so vast that there is little duplication here, either. All three books work well together. Highly recommended for all public libraries. Laurie Selwyn, San Antonio P.L.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This work contains a wealth of information about the Christmas holiday, from its inception around A.D. 350 to the present day. The entire Christmas season from Advent through Epiphany is covered in more than 340 entries. Both religious and secular observances; Santa Claus and other mythical beings who bring gifts; Christmas symbols (Christmas tree, Poinsettia, Yule log); sacred and popular carols and music; and Christmas customs in the U.S and around the world are well covered in detailed articles. Many countries that celebrate the holiday extensively have their own articles (France, Czech Republic, Mexico ); others have a subsection under regional groupings like Africa and Asia and the South Pacific. There are also many articles on Christmas as portrayed in the popular media--literary works, motion pictures, and television specials. Examples of entries include A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas seals, Christmas stamps, Eggnog, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Miracle on 34th Street, New Year's Day, Salvation Army, and Winter solstice. See references, an index, and a list of references are well done. There are many interesting historical illustrations in black and white.

Other recent Christmas titles are Encyclopedia of Christmas (Omnigraphics, 2000) and The World Encyclopedia of Christmas (McClelland & Stewart, 2000). The former has 186 entries; the latter has more than 1,000 entries and a section of color plates, though it suffers somewhat from the lack of an index. It seems a library can never have too many Christmas books around holiday time, so public libraries, in particular, that already own one of the other titles should consider adding The Christmas Encyclopedia. With its festive subject, extensive information, and exuberant spirit, the book would be an asset to any collection. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786410345
• ISBN-13: 978-0786410347
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,757,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs up for this Christmas book, October 20, 2001

By 

Pam Hass (Mt. Juliet, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Bill Crump has written a very informative book about the Christmas traditions that answer many questions about the season that many of us have had. I especially liked the customs and traditions of the holiday seasons from the other countries, as I'm sure many other people will who are researching family histories. Way to go Dr. Bill.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Christmas Information, August 2, 2006

By 

Interested Reader (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christmas Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Well researched and documented, this Christmas Encyclopedia is a fountain of information on many topics of the Christmas holiday, including: biblical references, history, world customs and celebrations, traditions, foods, stories and books, legends, songs, carols, movies and television specials, and much more.

A great research guide and also an enjoyable book to read for anyone who is interested in learning more about this beloved holiday.