“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” For students however we can’t celebrate until finals are over. So we at special collections decided to share with you some of our Holiday themed treasures. If you need a break from studying, or have already finished finals and need something to start the holiday season off right, come on over to Special Collections on the fifth floor of McFarlin Library. Here we have several things that might brighten your day and remind you of a true English Christmas.
“No Christmas story has gained such universal regard as Mr. Dickens’s Christmas Carol.”Although you can find copies of A Christmas Carol just about anywhere these days I bet you haven’t seen one with gilded edges and a green velvet cover. We also have a first edition illustrated copy and a limited edition copy from an American publishing company. The images in the illustrated edition were drawn by Solomon Eytinge, known as the world’s greatest Dickens illustrator. Eytinge was able to portray the unfolding story of Scrooge’s travels through past, present, and future holidays as he learns the true meaning of Christmas.
And if Scrooge doesn’t quite fit your fancy we have another Christmas item that can be treasured by all; The English Carol Book collected and edited by Martin Shaw. In the book, Shaw compiled a lovely collection of Victorian era English Carols. Flipping through the pages, the reader will find sheet music and lyric copies for some of our old holiday favorites. Familiar songs included are “The First Nowell”, “Good King Wenceslas”, and “God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen”.
If you are looking for something to ignite the holiday spirit come by Monday through Friday between 8 and 5. We would be glad to spread some Christmas cheer and show you our favorite Holiday treasures.
