Best-loved Christmas Carols: The Stories Behind Twenty-five Yuletide Favorites

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly.” "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” "Good King Wenceslas.” These are just three of the beautiful, enduring Christmas carols featured in this lavish book and CD set--and every one has become an integral part of the holiday. Exquisitely illustrated pages showcase fine art from the world’s great museums and libraries, along with fascinating information on each carol and its lyrics. The audio recordings come from widely renowned musical ensembles, and a superlative introduction provides historical perspective, with background on the origin of carols, the influence of medieval guilds and Mystery plays, and carols from different eras.