The Christmas Stories: Classic Christmas Stories From History's Greatest Authors

by Leo Tolstoy, L. Frank Baum, Charles Dickens

Overview

The Victorians take full responsibility for the commercialisation of Christmas - the first Christmas card was sent in 1840 and Queen Victoria popularised German traditions surrounding the Noel including decorating the tree. The growing publishing industry was quick to recognise the extra pennies that people were willing to spend, so increased production every October to cater for this Christmas market, making it their busiest time of year as it still remains today. Inevitably there emerged many special Christmas editions, periodicals and serials and authors, probably led by Charles Dickens, created made to measure Christmas stories. The middle class families were a huge market as they were ready to stay at home, especially with unappealing winter weather, and reading out loud became a popular pastime. These Christmas stories were family orientated and as can be seen by the authors below everyone semed to join in. These stories not only reflect the era but endure as time honoured classics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785430169
Publisher:	Miniature Masterpieces
Publication date:	11/21/2014
Pages:	380
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.78(d)

About the Author

A Russian author of novels, short stories, plays, and philosophical essays, Count Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was born into an aristocratic family and is best known for the epic books War and Peace and Anna Karenina, regarded as two of the greatest works of Russian literature. After serving in the Crimean War, Tolstoy retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world-wide fame.

Date of Birth:

September 9, 1828

Date of Death:

November 20, 1910

Place of Birth:

Tula Province, Russia

Place of Death:

Astapovo, Russia

Education:

Privately educated by French and German tutors; attended the University of Kazan, 1844-47