Christmas Books
Last updated: September 09, 2024
We have a number of interviews that recommend Christmassy books. Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, professor of English at Oxford, chooses his best books on Charles Dickens and Christmas. Looking at the festival as a Christian feast, professor Bruce Forbes chooses his best books on the history and celebration of Christmas. Brent Landau, who lectures in the department of religious studies at the University of Texas at Austin, chooses his best books on the Christmas story.
We are also very lucky to have two other very special Christmas interviewees. Igreth the Elf, one of the North Pole’s most senior elves, who heads up all the major packaging and distribution divisions at Christmas PLC, tells us about his best books on Elves. And Father Christmas himself, gives us his best books on Christmas.
The best books on Christmas, recommended by Bruce Forbes
Did you know that Santa Claus was a 4th century bishop in what is now Turkey? That Puritans tried to outlaw Christmas? Or Tiny Tim was originally Little Fred? Religious scholar Bruce Forbes recommends books that shed light on Christmas’s pagan past and consumerist present.
The best books on Jesus, recommended by Robert Morgan
Jesus was a 1st century Jew from Galilee who had a ministry of teaching and healing. He gathered disciples around him, but was eventually arrested and executed by the Roman governor of Judaea from 26 to 36CE, Pontius Pilate. But what else do we know about Jesus and what is his significance in an increasingly secular age? New Testament scholar Robert Morgan talks us through his favourite books on Jesus.
The best books on Dickens and Christmas, recommended by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst
When it was published on December 19th, 1843, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was an instant classic. Oxford Professor of English Literature Robert Douglas-Fairhurst runs through the best of Dickens’s prolific writings about Christmas.
The Best Classic Christmas Mysteries, recommended by Caroline Crampton
Looking for a cosy mystery to settle down with in front of the fire this holiday season? Look no further. We asked Caroline Crampton, creator and host of the Shedunnit podcast, to recommend her favourite classic mystery books set during the Christmas period.
The best books on The Christmas Story, recommended by Brent Landau
The story of the birth of Jesus is the part of the Gospels that is least based on history, explains religious studies scholar Brent Landau. Jesus was probably not born in Bethlehem and he may have been visited by as many as 12 wise men. He picks books to help understand the real Christmas story.
The Best Christmas Romance Books, recommended by Katherine D. Morgan
Who wouldn’t want someone to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas time? Guest editor Katherine D. Morgan rounds up five of the best festive romance books to cozy up with by the fire with a mug of cocoa over the coming Christmas holidays.
The best books on Christmas, recommended by Father Christmas
Shelve your cynicism – Santa Claus does exist, and he took the time out to tell us his five favourite Christmas-time books. He’s more of a pictures than words kind of guy, and he’s been to Las Vegas.
The best books on Elves, recommended by Igreth the Elf
Elves are often misunderstood or misrepresented over the Christmas period – Christmas cracker jokes have never been kind to these tiny heroes of the festive season. Here Igreth the Elf, great-great-great-grandson of Ilbereth the Elf, sets the record straight and introduces five children’s books that celebrate the extraordinary contribution these diminutive creatures make to Christmas itself.
