Poems for Christmas

by Gaby Morgan (Contributor), Various, Judith Flanders (Introduction)

Poems for Christmas is an exquisitely produced gift anthology which is guaranteed to get anyone in the festive spirit.

Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an introduction by Judith Flanders, author of Christmas: A Biography.

Through the generations, poets from William Shakespeare to Thomas Hardy and from John Donne to Christina Rossetti have been inspired to celebrate the Christmas season in verse. Just as we cherish our Christmas traditions now, so many of the great poets wrote beautifully about the Christmas story, magical wintry landscapes, festive traditions and making merry. And then, of course, there are the much-loved songs and carols from around the world that we still sing today, many of which are included in this enchanting anthology.

Genres: Poetry, Christmas, Fiction

235 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2019

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little collection, however, there were so many Carols in here that I ended up mentally singing along which ruined the experience a little 😂 some lovely pieces in here to get you ready for Christmas and New Year.

[Vo. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely collection of well known traditional as well as less known poems, songs, and hymns. Helps set the mood as well as seeing the words one knows so well in a diffrent light. It is also gorgeous like the rest of this series.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute Christmas read for the day but otherwise very dry and very white middle class lol. All the most popular poems will already be familiar as Christmas church songs. At least the book looks cute.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really didn't expect 80% of this book to be all about praise and worship. Felt like I was reading a prayer book. Not quite my cup of tea though the sections on nature and the new year were good.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little disappointed with the amount of traditional carols in here. I know they are poems after all but wanted some more unknown Christmas poetry. I still very much enjoyed this collection though and it has given me some new favourite lines of poetry: 'My soul's a shepherd too; a flock it feeds/ Of thoughts, and words, and deeds.' ("Christmas" by George Herbert). A lovely little book to read on a Christmastime evening.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collection of Christmas verse, but almost all public domain I suspect, as there was little from the 20th century. It would have been nice to include some more modern poems too, or else perhaps call it “Old Poems for Christmas” 😉

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just squeezed this in before next year lol. Started this thinking it would be quick but in true me fashion I took forever.

Should have ended with Auld Lang Syne, but I do love that We Three Kings (the superior Carol) was in there!

[Erin Goettsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect bite sized classics, arranged by theme. I liked reading this and I’m glad I picked it up. I have some more modern things already and this was a nice balance.

[Eelco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many traditional carols and songs. I expected some non-ordinary well written Christmas poetry, not 75% of praise the lord and Jesus is our saviour nonsense.

[Jenn Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the cutest little book and chock full of beautiful Christmas poetry! I love that it includes so many lovely carols! I’d say it is at least 60% sacred poetry vs secular.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming adorable meaningful collection of poetry.

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like poems and Christmas then this is the book for you!