130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 | Visit our Auckland bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Old Christmas

Gilded Pocket Edition
By Washington Irving
Series: Arcturus Ornate Classics
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.62 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 1,755 ratings, 319 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Old Christmas gathers Washington Irving's five charming Christmas stories, originally published in 1819-20, depicting festive English traditions. The tales are set around a Jacobean mansion called 'Bracebridge Hall' and reveal the warmth and joy of Christmas through intimate narrations of ceremonies, celebrations, and family gatherings. Illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, the stories evoke 19th-century Christmas spirit with vivid recollections of banquets and festive merriment.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$2499
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 1 week

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This elegant edition is ideal for readers who appreciate classic Christmas tales and historical perspectives on holiday traditions, as well as gift-givers seeking a beautifully presented collectible volume.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This elegant gift edition brings together Washington Irving's five Christmas stories in a single volume, presented with a delightful gold-embossed cover design, gilded page edges and original illustrations.

Originally published in 1819-20 and illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, the five stories in Old Christmas describe English traditions of Christmas and recount the festivities that Irving experienced while visiting Aston Hall (here known as 'Bracebridge Hall'), a Jacobean mansion near Birmingham, UK.

'Christmas' reflects on the meaning of Christmas and the ceremonies and festivities that attend it. 'The Stage Coach' follows the protagonist as he spends Christmas Eve in a small town during a coach stop. 'Christmas Eve', 'Christmas Day', and 'The Christmas Dinner' recount Irving's memories at Aston Hall, including the sumptuous banquet and joyful family time of the Christmas dinner.

Featuring original black and white illustrations by Randolph Caldecott, these nostalgic recollections of Christmas traditions in 19th century England are a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

Series: Arcturus Ornate Classics

View all
  • A Room of One's Own
    A Room of One's Own
    This handsome gift edition presents Virginia Woolf's classic work, A Room of One's Own, featuring a luxurious gold embossed cover design, gilded page edges, and patterned endpapers. One of the greatest arguments for female emancipation, A Room of One's Own began as a lecture series at Cambridge University defending women's independence. In this extended essay, Virginia Woolf brings to life...
    By Virginia Woolf
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Old Christmas
    Old Christmas
    This elegant gift edition brings together Washington Irving's five Christmas stories in a single volume, presented with a delightful gold-embossed cover design, gilded page edges and original illustrations. Originally published in 1819-20 and illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, the five stories in Old Christmas describe English traditions of Christmas and recount the festivities that Irving experienced while visiting Aston Hall (here...
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Greek Mythology
    This elegant hardback edition presents a selection of classic tales from Greek mythology, featuring gold cover embossing and gilded page-edges. Most of the pantheon of Greek gods are showcased in this selection of thrilling myths retold by a number of master storytellers. You'll meet the gods and then read of their interactions with mortals in tales such as "Phaeton Son...
    By Nathaniel Hawthorne and V.C. Turnbull
    Hardback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Heart of Darkness and Tales of Unrest
    Heart of Darkness and Tales of Unrest
    This handsome gift edition presents Joseph Conrad's celebrated work, Heart of Darkness, featuring striking gold-embossed cover designs, gilded page edges, and patterned endpapers. The inspiration behind Apocalypse Now, Heart of Darkness tells the story of Charlie Marlowe, who takes a steamboat on a voyage into the heart of Africa. His mission is to relieve an ivory agent named Kurtz, who...
    By Joseph Conrad
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Sense and Sensibility
    Sense and Sensibility
    This elegant gift edition presents Jane Austen's best-loved work, Sense and Sensibility, featuring beautiful gold-embossed cover designs, gilded page edges and patterned endpapers. Sense and Sensibility tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Left almost penniless and homeless on the death of their father, they rely on the kindness of relatives and friends to find a new...
    By Jane Austen
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
    "Mark Twain was the first truly American writer, and all of us since are his heirs." - William Faulkner This elegant collector's edition presents Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, featuring gold cover embossing and gilded page-edges. Mark Twain's classic of smalltown life along the banks of the Mississippi features the loveable rascal Tom Sawyer and his...
    By Mark Twain
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • The Call of Cthulhu and Other Stories
    The Call of Cthulhu and Other Stories
    This handsome gift edition brings together 10 stories of Lovecraft's iconic Cthulhu mythos, beautifully presented with a silver embossed cover design, ivory pages, and gilded page edges. From the classic The Call of Cthulhu to the eerie 'The Shunned House', these stories exemplify Lovecraft's extravagant imagination. Terrifying rituals, grotesque comedies, and tales of insanity form some of the best writing...
    By H. P. Lovecraft
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • The Call of the Wild
    The Call of the Wild
    A mordant parable ... his masterpiece. - E. L. Doctorow This elegant pocket edition presents Jack London's classic animal story, The Call of the Wild, featuring silver cover embossing and gilded page-edges. Jack London's most famous novel, The Call of the Wild, is an atmospheric tale of the dog, Buck, as he is kidnapped from his pampered life as a...
    By Jack London
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • The Great Gatsby
    The Great Gatsby
    This deluxe hardback pocket edition presents one of the most celebrated American novels of all time, The Great Gatsby, with silver gilded page edges and foil-stamping. Jay Gatsby is a mystery to Nick. On the surface, he is a man of wealth and excess—throwing wild, extravagant parties that run deep into the night. But cracks begin to show in this...
    By F. Scott Fitzgerald
    Hardback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Journey to the Centre of the Earth
    Journey to the Centre of the Earth
    This deluxe edition features Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth with a lavish gold-embossed cover, gilded page edges, and patterned endpapers. Join Professor Lidenbrock and Axel on an extraordinary subterranean adventure, encountering wonders and dangers alike. Preserving the classic text, this pocket-sized edition is perfect for classic fiction enthusiasts. Part of the Arcturus Ornate Classics series, these...
    By Jules Verne
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • Grimm's Fairy Tales
    Grimm's Fairy Tales
    This beautiful pocket edition brings together 45 fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm, presented with stunning gilded page edges and cover embossing. Full of cunning witches, dragon hoards and dwarves spinning straw into gold, the tales of the Brothers Grimm are some of the most recognised and best-loved fairy tales of all time. Originally collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm...
    By Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • The Odyssey
    The Odyssey
    This elegant collector's edition presents Homer's classic epic myth, The Odyssey, featuring gold cover embossing and gilded page-edges. Trouble is brewing at the home of the hero Odysseus, who has spent years fighting in the Trojan Wars and is now captive of the beautiful nymph Calypso. Hordes of suitors to his wife have invaded the family house, and Odysseus' son...
    By Homer
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781398818750

Publisher: Arcturus Publishing Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 30 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Arcturus

Illustration: Imitation cloth with gold foil blocking

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Randolph Caldecott
  • Contributions by J. D. Cooper

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 105.0mm

Height: 165.0mm

Weight: 127g

Pages: 208

Collections

Christmas Books and Gifts Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Series: Arcturus Ornate Classics Washington Irving

About the Author

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat. He is best known for his short stories 'Rip Van Winkle' (1819) and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'(1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. He wrote biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain. Irving served as American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s. Irving was one of the first American writers to find acclaim in Europe and admirers included Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Mary Shelley, and Walter Scott.

Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) was an influential British artist and book illustrator. His work was exhibited by the Royal Academy and was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1882. Among well-known admirers of his work were Gauguin and Van Gogh.

Also by Washington Irving

View all
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories
    One of America's best-loved short stories, plus other tales, in a handsome, collectible edition. Washington Irving's short stories have captured the imaginations of generations since the early nineteenth century. Now book lovers can enjoy The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, "Rip Van Winkle," "A Sunday in London," "John Bull," and "Christmas" in this stunning new edition of The Legend of Sleepy...
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories
    The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories adds the best-known works of Washington Irving to the Chartwell Classics series. Washington Irving's short stories have captured the imaginations of generations since they were originally published in the early nineteenth century. His stories are sometimes chilling and sometimes reflections of society, but they are consistently filled with adventure and a joy...
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Stories
    The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Stories is a perfectly spooky volume that collects some of the most well-known Washington Irving tales, originally published in the early to mid-19th century, for a new generation of young readers. Featuring a freshly reimagined cover, this collection is sure to captivate. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a ghost story of enduring...
    By Washington Irving
    Paperback
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Monstrous Classics Collection (Boxed Set)
    The timeless, genre-defying classics Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Stories, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Raven & Other Writings are now available together in this bone-chilling paperback boxed set. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories, the relationship between a well-respected doctor and a...
    By Bram Stoker and Washington Irving and Mary Shelley and Gaston Leroux and Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson
    Paperback
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
    A stunning new edition of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and other stories including "Rip Van Winkle," with deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers, and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader. First published in The Sketch Book in 1819-20, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells...
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
    There is magic and mystery surrounding the vale of Sleepy Hollow. It is home to a host of ghostly sounds and goblin spectres, none more infamous than the Headless Horseman. This figure rides out in the witching hour of night. If one is not careful, a traveller can lose everything in one evening - their wits, their heart, their head......
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Tales
    This collection of stories from Washington Irving, one of the best-known authors of the eighteenth century, spins fantastic, timeless tales and offers insights into the early years of the United States. The Headless Horseman faces off with Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a ghost story of enduring popularity that takes place at the time of the American...
    By Washington Irving
    Paperback
    $3099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Stories
    Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher, came to Tarry Town in the glen of Sleepy Hollow to ply his trade in educating young minds. He was a gullible and excitable fellow, often so terrified by locals' stories of ghosts that he would hurry through the woods on his way home, singing to keep from hysterics. Until late one night, he finds that...
    By Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
    Set in the Hudson Valley in New York State in 1790, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who is wooing the daughter of a local wealthy farmer. Superstitious and gullible, Crane is a believer in the many supernatural tales circulating in the Dutch community who settled there. Late one autumn night, as he...
    By Jonathan Kruk and Washington Irving
    Hardback
    $4499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from General Fiction

View all
  • Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Yesteryear
    A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...
    By Caro Claire Burke
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Theo of Golden
    THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...
    By Allen Levi
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Wedding People
    'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...
    By Alison Espach
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
    All five of the Court of Thorns and Roses paperbacks packaged together in a gorgeous box set. "Passionate, violent, sexy and daring." —USA TODAY on A Court of Thorns and Roses Feyre is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month. But the life of a magical creature comes at...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Set
    $9999
    Elsewhere:
    $12495
    (4)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Mist and Fury
    A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas continues Feyre Archeron's epic journey in the world of the High Fae. Having survived the brutal trials under the Mountain, Feyre returns to the Spring Court. Though she now possesses the immortal powers of the High Fae, the traumatic experiences have left scars on her human heart. Haunted by the...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
    The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Wings and Ruin
    The third instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, the gripping third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre Archeron faces the ultimate battle for her world. Having returned to the Spring Court, she is determined to gather...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Frost and Starlight
    In A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, readers are invited to revisit the enchanting world of Prythian in a heartwarming and introspective narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Winter Solstice, Feyre Archeron and her mate Rhysand return to centre stage as they strive to restore the Night Court after the devastating conflicts of A Court...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition
    Limited Edition
    A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition
    The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition
    Limited Edition
    A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition
    The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. An unmissable companion tale to the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Threshing Day
    New Release
    Threshing Day
    The next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing Day, contains thirteen stories starring your favourite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-colour illustrations by artist Joe Requeza and silver-gilded edges. *while stock lasts. Discover the beloved world of the record-breaking, multi-million-copy bestselling series where power always demands a price, secrets darken every hallway,...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Hardback
    $4999
    Elsewhere:
    $5500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Court of Silver Flames
    The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

General Fiction lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all