Christmas in Germany: A Cultural History

“A solidly researched history of cultural transition. . . . An extraordinarily well-articulated, nuanced, and consequential account of a culture that even non-Germans recognize as having a special, mythic relation to the modern Christmas.” — Journal of Interdisciplinary History

“Excellent cultural history. . . . There is much to enthral, surprise and shock in this meticulously researched work, which reveals both the genuine beauty and darker shadows cast by the Tannenbaum and the somber echoes contained within sweet renditions of ‘Silent Night.'” — Times Literary Supplement

“Rich with illustrations and the use of German primary sources, this book will be loved by German history buffs and broader cultural historians — a welcome addition to academic collections. Extensive notes and a lengthy biography will aid any researcher in this subject area.” — Library Journal

“This book could be read and enjoyed for personal pleasure [and] it would work well in cultural studies, history, and folklore classes, and would not only function as a rich resource itself, but also an example of research methodology for students.” — Western Folklore

“This book will be of immediate interest to German scholars. As an example of an unusually insightful, inventive, and rigorous cultural history, it deserves a wider audience. Compellingly written, jargon-free, and thoroughly researched . . . Christmas in Germany is a fascinating contribution to modern German and contemporary cultural history.” — American Historical Review

“This richly illustrated volume explores the invention, evolution, and politicization of Germany’s favorite national holiday. . . .” — Lone Star Book Review

“Written in a rich yet clear and comprehensible language, splendidly illustrated with materials from the corresponding eras, it is delightful reading for professional historians, students, and non-academic enthusiasts of history alike.” — Journal of NC Association of Historians