[.ca] Images of Christmas Past: Antique Photographs of ... (ISBN 087588623X)

Social lessons:
This book is a little bit better organized and informational, if compared with the authors' similar volume, "Cherish Me Always, a Century of Dolls." The guide to photographic terms in the back and all of the other credits and references will be very useful for researchers. Once again, I am touched by how many of the people in these photos look so unhappy; I know it wasn't the style to smile, but c'mon! It was Christmas! The authors' books will also be of interest to social anthropologists and sociologists, who study pics like these for the information they provide about the history of the family, family relationships, and society. I had never heard of artificial feather christmas trees until I read this book, and found that factoid very interesting--why do we always think the present is so unique? :> The notes provided about the nativity and Putz scenes taught me a few things about my own Czechoslovakian family heritage. I also found it of interest that many of the most common items shown in the photos are actually still being made and sold, in very similar form, today. Here in Southern California, we have an import store called "Cost Plus," and the traditions behind many of the items they offer at Christmastime were unknown to me until I read this book. Thanks for the lessons! SMS

Social history lessons:
This book is a little bit better organized and informational, if compared with the authors' similar volume, "Cherish Me Always, a Century of Dolls." The guide to photographic terms in the back and all of the other credits and references will be very useful for researchers. Once again, I am touched by how many of the people in these photos look so unhappy; I know it wasn't the style to smile, but c'mon! It was Christmas! The authors' books will also be of interest to social anthropologists and sociologists, who study pics like these for the information they provide about the history of the family, family relationships, and society. I had never heard of artificial feather christmas trees until I read this book, and found that factoid very interesting--why do we always think the present is so unique? :> The notes provided about the nativity and Putz scenes taught me a few things about my own Czechoslovakian family heritage. I also found it of interest that many of the most common items shown in the photos are actually still being made and sold, in very similar form, today. Here in Southern California, we have an import store called "Cost Plus," and the traditions behind many of the items they offer at Christmastime were unknown to me until I read this book. Thanks for the lessons! SMS