The Twelve Days of Christmas [Correspondence]

by John Julius Norwich, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Everyone knows 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', but not as rewritten by John Julius Norwich in this delightful correspondence, which records the daily thank-you letters from one increasingly bemused young lady to her unseen admirer. And who but Quentin Blake could exploit the full comic possibilities of this hilarious debacle as first birds, then maids and finally the full percussion section of the Liverpoool Philharmonic create mayhem in the calm of an English country Christmas?

Genres: Christmas, Humor, Fiction, Short Stories, Comedy, British Literature, Poetry

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 1998

About the author

John Julius Norwich was an English historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his engaging books on European history and culture. The son of diplomat and politician Duff Cooper and socialite Lady Diana Manners, he received an elite education at Eton, Strasbourg, and Oxford, and served in the Foreign Service before dedicating himself to writing full-time.
He authored acclaimed works on Norman Sicily, Venice, Byzantium, the Mediterranean, and the Papacy, as well as popular anthologies like Christmas Crackers. He was also a familiar voice and face in British media, presenting numerous television documentaries and radio programs. A champion of cultural heritage, he supported causes such as the Venice in Peril Fund and the World Monuments Fund.
Norwich’s wide-ranging output, wit, and accessible style made him a beloved figure in historical writing.

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas. Read the blurb, and you'll understand why ... lol

4 Stars = Outstanding. It definitely held my interest.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect this 🤣😅

Now that is some Christmas celebration and gift sending!

The illustrations are fun. The writing is hilarious.

Too short I would say!

[Erin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how it really went down! A modern twist on a song that most people have thought at one time must be inconvenient for someone. It is short and fun, a holiday read worth sharing with family.

[Burden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not precisely sure who this book is aimed. At first glance, this seems to be an ordinary children's book, but some of the content and humor does tiptoe into the realms of adulthood. In many ways, it kind of reminds me of the humor found inside one of those comics from a British newspaper, like George and Lynne perhaps.

All in all, this was a fun book and a relatively amusing read. The book is only about 12 pages long, but it was still a good way to waste a handful of minutes.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

January 3rd.

As I write this letter, ten disgusting old men are prancing about all over what used to be the garden - before the geese and the swans and the cows got at it; and several of them, I notice, are taking inexcusable liberties with the milkmaids. Meanwhile the neighbors are trying to have us evicted. I shall never speak to you again.

Emily

[Emily T · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book that’s only 32 pages this was excellent I laughed out loud. Made more funny that myself and the main character share the same name. A whole new perspective on the 12 days of Christmas.

[Ernest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is known by many, but have you thought about what it would be like to actually receive all those gifts? In a wonderfully charming imagination, the reactions to these gifts are revealed by a young woman’s letter replies to an unseen admirer. Humour, sometimes subtle and sly, combine with illustrations (not always suitable for little ones) to produce a book that is as delightful as it is funny. Extra points to my friend David for reading it to us during Christmas, complete with inflections, voices, and mannerisms.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun interpretation of a classic song. Illustrations are the real prize here. You will recognize Quentin Blake’s work if you are a fan of Roald Dahl. A perfect Christmas gift if you have someone in your life that loves this song!

[Shaha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It went exactly as I had thought, so fun!

[David Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is one clever author's response to: 'What did the recipient of all those gifts from the Twelve Days of Christmas think about them?' Very funny, with quirky illustrations by Quentin Blake. -- A little TOO quirky, perhaps: I don't understand why the dancing ladies are NAKED... (I always see them in my mind's eye as wearing beautiful, floor-length ballroom gowns.) Hence: I have deducted a full star from this review...

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it was like to be on the receiving end of all those gifts - really delightful. The illustrations by Quentin Blake are perfect.

[Graham Sillars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously funny and gorgeously illustrated! A great way to pass half an hour or so.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

27th December

My darling Edward You do think of the most original presents; whoever thought of sending anybody three French hens? Do they really come all the way from France? It's a pity that we have no chicken coops, but I expect we'll find some. Thank you, anyway, they're heaven.

Your loring Emily

Another charity shop find to add to our Quentin Blake collection.

This is a humorous take on the classic 12 days of christmas, where Emily receives each of the gifts from her darling Edward, day by day.

Writing back to Edward, Emily gets increasingly exacerbated with a house full of birds, milkmaids, et al.

A lot of fun and brilliantly brought to life by Blake's illustrations. 4 stars.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming & amusing take on the traditional carol. Written in the form of thank-you letters from a young lady to her unseen admirer & illustrated with the delightful drawings of Quintin Blake.

I particularly smiled at the nine ladies dancing being portrayed as a regiment of shameless hussies with nothing..... well I'll say no more ;o)

A little gem.

[Arianna Keyser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! This book reminds me of the comments my dad would make reading me and my sister The Twelve Days of Christmas when we were little, providing a different perspective on the practicality of receiving so many birds. I look forward to this book becoming a Christmas tradition in my household for years to come.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the twelve days of Christmas *did* happen, I can imagine it unfolding almost exactly like this. Clever text with great illustrations, as you'd expect, make this a favorite Christmas re-read every year.

[Emma Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young woman keeps receiving more and more outrageous gifts from her admirer, all tied to Christmas.

This was fine but I guess I was expecting more - more text (this is cruelly short) and more humour (this was worth a smile, but nothing more). Lovely illustrations though!

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

Norwich, ably assisted by Quentin Blake, has hilariously imagined the reaction of the recipient of the Twelve Days of Christmas gifts.
A wonderful Christmas joke, worthy of an annual re-read.

[شغاف القلب · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny. Really interesting illustration. And a delight to the heart.

[Catherine Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witty take on the Twelve Days of Xmas, with hilarious illustrations by Quentin Blake

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charmingly funny take on the song that we all know. Loved the illustrations. A sweet and slightly wicked giggle for the holiday season. A lovely little Christmas happy.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and thoughtful story, hilarious illustrations :D
Don't go too far even for nice actions to start with, and be sensitive to change of tone / expressions!

[Iwon (nanasanchez) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So now I know what we are reading for Christmas with my students.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Fun and Funny 😂😂....

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute idea, maybe good for teenagers. The satire was entertaining at first, but it got a bit much/frustrating toward the end.

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant - enough said!

[Callie Corson]

This book is brilliant - it is just so funny 😆

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny!! I read it every year and laugh just as hard.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny and excellent illustrations by Quentin Blake that only add to the humour

[Jo Beale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardback first US edition 1998