Encyclopedia of Christmas

Rating:
Summary: See my review of March 10, 2000
Review: I originally posted two separate reviews. Now I have combined them into the review dated March 10, 2000.

Rating:
Summary: A Thorough Historical Review; Omits "Pop" Side of Christmas
Review: This encyclopedia emphasizes ancient customs and the traditional aspects of Christmas observed for centuries throughout the world. These are thoroughly covered in 186 entries which include holiday symbols, legends, and mythical spirits that bring gifts. A number of entries focus on archaic customs and superstitions no longer in practice. These played roles in shaping the modern Christmas, however, and therefore are of historical interest. Also discussed are the customs and cuisine of selected, individual countries around the world. An extensive index and bibliography are helpful, and several appendices list Christmas web sites and "Christmas Associations" (organizations). Illustrations consist primarily of 50 full-page black-and-white line drawings of contemporary style.

Despite being named an Outstanding Reference Source, the book suffers from several deficiencies, one of which is the inconsistent format used to describe foreign traditions. Whereas some entries provide comprehensive coverage of national traditions, others present only a few isolated customs. For example, the entry about Germany is quite comprehensive, yet for a country like Sweden, no similar comprehensive entry exists. Instead, readers must look up three different entries titled "St. Lucia Day," "Julklapp," or "Jultomten" to find anything about Sweden. Also lacking are foreign phrases for "Merry Christmas."

Furthermore, a number of related entries creates needless repetition. For example, virtually the same basic information about the Nativity is spread out over six entries: "Gospel Accounts of Christmas," "Gospel Account of Matthew," "Gospel Account of Luke," "Jesus, Birth of," "Magi," and "Star of Bethlehem." Similarly, note "Advent," "Advent Calendar, "Advent Candle," "Advent Wreath," etc. References and web sites not only terminate each entry but are also duplicated in the bibliography and appendices at the back of the book. These repetitions and duplications, at least in part, must account for the book's 729 pages.

Entries regarding literature, music, or other aspects of popular culture are limited to Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Handel's "Messiah," and Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet. It would be difficult to imagine Christmas today without the beloved carols of past centuries or the classic movies, animated cartoons, and television specials of the twentieth century. Where are "Silent Night," "White Christmas," "Miracle on 34th Street," "Jingle Bells," "It's a Wonderful Life," "Rudolph," and many others? Yet this encyclopedia omits these immortal holiday favorites and their like.

In summary, this encyclopedia would interest those seeking only the foundations and principal historical events of Christmas but not the Christmas as found in the popular media.