A Kentucky Christmas [Hardcover]

George Ella Lyon (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

"Table of Contents A celebration of holiday poetry, fiction, essays, recipes, and songs by more than sixty of the Bluegrass state's finest writers. Gathered here are writings from some of the legendary voices of Kentucky -- and the nation -- as well as original Christmas stories and poetry from some of the state's emerging talents. Among the contributors to this handsome collection are Kentucky's visionaries, storytellers, historians, singers, cooks, children's authors, and poets, including all five Kentucky Poet Laureates. A delight for anyone interested in Kentucky literature, history, or traditions, A Kentucky Christmas promises to be a wonderful holiday gift, a treasured family keepsake, and a necessary addition for libraries and for personal collections.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book could accurately be called 'A Kentucky Christmas Tree,' since it is a structure with various good-sized branches, all hung or draped with bits of holiday cheer." -- Appalachian Center Newsletter

"A collection of holiday poetry, fiction, essays, recipes, and songs gathered from over sixty different authors.... This is a legacy of literature for anyone from Kentucky or those interested in its rich literary history." -- Christian Library Journal

"Celebrates Kentucky traditions from the first Christmas on the Falls of the Ohio to settlement days along the Cumberland to Appalachian country store windows on Christmas Eve." -- Floyd County Times

"Readers get a gigantic gift full of literary goodies -- some 337 pages -- under the tree. With appearances by more than 60 of the state's finest writers who share holiday stories poems, songs and essays, there should be something for anyone who opens this package." -- Kentucky Monthly

"Superb.... A rich, diverse collection..... A treasure every Kentuckian should own." -- Lexington Herald-Leader

"Contains poems, stories, and essays that range from heartwarming to downright sad." -- Ohioana Quarterly

"This cornucopia of a book will appeal to all who count the season as the best time of the year." -- Southern Living

"This book will become a holiday classic." -- Suite101.com

About the Author

George Ella Lyon is the award-winning author of more than thirty books for children and adults, including With a Hammer for My Heart, Catalpa, Borrowed Children, and Mother to Tigers. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky; First edition. edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813122791
• ISBN-13: 978-0813122793
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,274,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas Treasure, November 18, 2003

By 

Laura (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Kentucky Christmas (Hardcover)

I am a collector of Christmas books and with joy I have added this one to my library. I found that the memories evoked within the pages of Kentucky Christmas are touching and poignant without being overly sentimental. George Ella Lyon has captured the essence of Christmas through her collection of works by Kentucky authors. This is a book that I will pass on to my child and one that I will return to again and again.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adding a Standard, November 13, 2003

By 

K. Bruce Florence (Cynthiana,, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Kentucky Christmas (Hardcover)

Do you read your books and pass them on to friends and family, seriously depleting your library? Most of us who love reading and books do the same thing. "A Kentucky Christmas" is one of those rare books that will soon become a standard on your library shelf. You will be reluctant to let it leave your library.

Christmas is a season of many moods all competing for attention at a time when we are unusually pressured. The selections made by George Ella Lyon find ways to match our myriad of Christmas emotions.

Good friends will want to give the book early while they can steal a few minutes, a cup of tea and the delight of the very best of Christmas literature.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book Just in Time For Christmas!, December 13, 2004

By 

Teresa A. Phillips "Amish author; http://www... (Lawrenceburg, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Kentucky Christmas (Hardcover)

My friend showed me this book. I, being a Kentucky author, had to read it. The wonderful skill and warmth shined through as I turned each page. This is a book that you would want to hang on to until next holiday season. I'm sure the same warmth and spirit will spread when you open it up next year.