... The family mansion is an old manor-house, standing in a
retired and beautiful part of Yorkshire. Its inhabitants have
been always regarded through the surrounding country as 'the
great ones of the earth,' and the little village near the hall
looks up to the squire with almost feudal homage.... While
sojourning in this stronghold of old fashions, it is my intention
to make occasional sketches of the scenes and characters before
me."
The success of Old Christmas has suggested the republication of
its sequel Bracebridge Hall, illustrated by the same able pencil,
but condensed so as to bring it within reasonable size and
price.--_Preface._
IRVING, WASHINGTON.
Old Christmas.
Illustrated by Randolph Caldecott.
Macmillan. 1.50
No one could be better fitted to depict the old customs of an English
Christmas than Mr. Caldecott, and his pictures are a perfect
accompaniment to this portion of Washington Irving's Sketch Book.
A man might then behold
At Christmas, in each hall
Good fires to curb the cold,
And meat for great and small.
The neighbors were friendly bidden, (p. 228)
And all had welcome true,
The poor from the gates were not chidden,
When this old cap was new.
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