December 6, 2011, by Andrew Burden
6 December: the Christmas Tree for all young people
Today’s featured item from Manuscripts and Special Collections is an illustrated copy of George F Pardon’s The Christmas Tree for all Young People (London, 1857).
The book was originally designed for the amusement and instruction of all young people at Christmas. As with other items in the Briggs Collection, its cover illustrates the 19th century use of decorated bindings to add appeal for young readers.
Below is a digitised version of one of the book’s most festive chapters for you to enjoy – no matter how old you are. The story is entitled ‘Our Christmas at Home’ and tells of a family’s first Christmas tree, as well as incorporating other festive themes like charity and togetherness:
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If you can’t view the above media, try this PDF version.
All of the items featured in our e-Advent calendar are from the University’s historic library holdings, held in Manuscripts and Special Collections. For more information on the wide range of materials available, take a look at their website and blog or contact the curators on mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk.
Find out more about our Manuscripts development plans and how you can support us via the Impact Campaign website.
Where are all the pictures? Victorian publishers were cruel. Lovely post though!
What a charming, heartwarming story. Good old Rover!
It brought tears to my eyes, and made me yearn for Christmasses past.
Surely Jessie would have lost at least a couple of toes to frostbite?
What a lovely story. Love conquers all and Rover saves the day.