Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?: The History of Christmas Carols

By Revd Mark Lawson-Jones and Bishop Dominic Walker

Why was the partridge in the pear tree? Who was Good King Wenceslas? And what are the pagan origins behind ‘The Holly and the Ivy’? Discover the hidden stories behind our best-loved Christmas carols, from their earliest incarnations in the Middle Ages and their banning under the Puritans to the wassailing traditions of the nineteenth century and the carols that united soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War. This fascinating book charts the history of one of Christmas’ longest-running traditions and is sure to appeal to all those who love the festive season.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The History Press
• Release date: Nov 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9780752477503

Reviews for Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?

[thornton37814 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you love Christmas Carols, this is a book for you. It tells the story behind several Christmas carols as well as providing some overview chapters in the beginning. The carols included are "The Coventry Carol," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "The Holly and the Ivy," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Silent Night, Holy Night," "Once in Royal David's City," "Good King Wenceslas," and "In the Bleak Midwinter." While I wish other carols had also been included, the author does a great job treating the ones he did include.