Old Christmas From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving

Excerpt

Before the remembrance of the good old times, so fast passing, should have entirely passed away, the present artist, R. Caldecott, and engraver, James D. Cooper, planned to illustrate Washington Irving's "Old Christmas" in this manner. Their primary idea was to carry out the principle of the Sketch Book, by incorporating the designs with the text. Throughout they have worked together and con amore. With what success the public must decide.

                November 1875.

pageChristmasThe Stage CoachChristmas EveChristmas DayThe Christmas Dinner

DESIGNED BY RANDOLPH CALDECOTT,



ARRANGED AND ENGRAVED BY J. D. COOPER.The Old Mansion by Moonlight—pageAncient FireplaceHeading to PrefaceHeading to ContentsTailpiece to ContentsHeading to List of IllustrationsTailpiece to List of Illustrations"The Poor from the Gates were not chidden"Heading to ChristmasThe Mouldering TowerChristmas Anthem in CathedralThe Wanderer's Return"Nature lies despoiled of every Charm""The Honest Face of Hospitality""The Shy Glance of Love"Old Hall of CastleThe Great Oaken GalleryThe Waits"And sit down Darkling and Repining"The Stage CoachThe Three SchoolboysThe Old English Stage Coachman"He throws down the Reins with something of an Air"The Stable ImitatorsThe Public HouseThe HousemaidThe Smithy"Now or never must Music be in Tune"The Country MaidThe Old Servant and BantamA Neat Country SeatInn KitchenThe Recognition. TailpieceThe Post-chaiseThe Lodge GateThe Old Primitive Dame"The Little Dogs and All"MistletoeThe Squire's ReceptionThe Family PartyToysThe Yule LogThe Squire in his Hereditary ChairThe Family PlateMaster SimonYoung GirlHer MotherThe Old HarperMaster Simon DancingThe Oxonian and his Maiden AuntThe Young Officer with his GuitarThe Fair JuliaAsleepChristmas DayThe Children's CarolRobin on the Mountain AshMaster Simon as ClerkBreakfastViewing the DogsMaster Simon going to ChurchThe Village ChurchThe ParsonRebuking the SextonEffigy of a WarriorMaster Simon at ChurchThe Village ChoirThe Village TailorAn Old ChoristerThe SermonChurchyard GreetingsFrosty Thraldom of WinterMerry Old English GamesThe Poor at HomeVillage AnticsTasting the Squire's AleThe Wit of the VillageCoquettish HousemaidAntique SideboardThe Cook with the Rolling-PinThe Warrior's Arms"Flagons, Cans, Cups, Beakers, Goblets, Basins, and Ewers"The Christmas DinnerA High Roman NoseThe Parson said GraceThe Boar's HeadThe Fat-headed Old GentlemanPeacock PieThe Wassail BowlThe Squire's ToastThe Long-winded JokerLong StoriesThe Parson and the Pretty MilkmaidMaster Simon grows MaudlinThe Blue-Eyed RompThe Parson's TaleThe Sexton's RebuffThe Crusader's Night RideAncient Christmas and Dame Mince-PieRobin Hood and Maid MarianThe MinuetRoast Beef, Plum Pudding, and MisruleThe Christmas Dance in Costume"Chuckling and Rubbing his Hands""Echoing back the Joviality of long-departed Years"Retrospect

A man might then beholdAt Christmas, in each hallGood fires to curb the cold,And meat for great and small....