Classical Et Cetera Christmas Book Exchange

'The Other Wise Man' by Henry van Dyke tells the story of Artaban, a Persian Magi who sets out to join the three wise men in Bethlehem but is delayed by acts of charity along the way. Over three decades, Artaban encounters suffering and need, giving away the precious jewels he intended to present to the Christ child. He arrives in Jerusalem too late for the Nativity, but continues his search, performing acts of kindness and sacrifice. Finally, he meets the Christ in the form of a dying leper, realizing that in serving others, he has indeed found the King.

The story revolves around the Herdman siblings, who are notorious for their misbehavior. When they invade the local church and demand roles in the annual Christmas pageant, chaos ensues. However, through their unique interpretation of the Christmas story, they ultimately lead the town to a deeper understanding of the holiday's true meaning. The book is celebrated for its fresh perspective on the nativity and its message of compassion and acceptance.

The Wind in the Willows is a classic children's novel written by Kenneth Grahame. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals—primarily Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood. The novel highlights themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. It includes various adventures such as Toad's obsession with motorcars, a visit to the Wild Wood, and a climactic battle to reclaim Toad Hall from weasels and stoats. The book is known for its evocative descriptions of the countryside and its engaging characters.

Historien handler om en fattig pige, der på en kold nytårsaften forsøger at sælge svovlstikker på gaden. Da ingen køber noget, tænder hun svovlstikkerne for at varme sig og ser visioner af en varm ovn, en stegt gås og en julæg. Til sidst ser hun sin afdøde bedstemor, der tager hende med til himlen. Pigen dør af kulde, men med et smil på ansigtet.

The story revolves around Della and Jim, a young couple struggling financially. Despite their meager budget, they each give up their most treasured possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. Della sells her long hair to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's prized watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy beautiful combs for Della's hair. The story emphasizes that the greatest gift is the love and sacrifices made for one another, echoing the wisdom of the magi from the biblical tale.

The Little House on the Prairie series consists of nine novels that follow the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder from her childhood in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to her adulthood in the Dakota Territory. The books chronicle the Ingalls family's experiences, including their moves to various parts of the American frontier, their struggles with disease and natural disasters, and their daily life as pioneers. The series includes titles such as 'Little House in the Big Woods,' 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'On the Banks of Plum Creek,' 'By the Shores of Silver Lake,' 'The Long Winter,' 'Little Town on the Prairie,' 'These Happy Golden Years,' and 'Farmer Boy,' which is about Almanzo Wilder, Laura's future husband.

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

The novel is set in Warwickshire in the late 16th century and revolves around the life of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, and their children. It fictionalizes the events surrounding the death of their son Hamnet, who died of the plague in 1596 at the age of eleven. The story delves into the grief and emotional turmoil faced by the family, especially Agnes, and how this tragedy influenced Shakespeare's writing, including his play 'Hamlet'. The narrative alternates between different timelines, exploring Agnes's early life, her marriage, and the years following Hamnet's death. The book is a poignant study of motherhood, childhood, and the depths of grief, offering a vivid portrayal of family life during the Tudor period.

The Fig Tree, penned by Arnold Zable, explores displacement, memory, and identity. The novel follows characters whose lives intertwine against a backdrop of migration and historical upheaval. Zable's narrative depicts the search for belonging and the complex relationship between past and present. The book resonates with themes of resilience and cultural preservation, highlighting the challenges faced by those navigating new landscapes. It captures the essence of human connection amid adversity, reminding us of the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Published in 1892, 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a compilation of 12 detective stories originally published in monthly installments in 'The Strand Magazine' between July 1891 and June 1892. The stories include 'A Scandal in Bohemia,' 'The Red-Headed League,' 'A Case of Identity,' and others, showcasing Holmes's exceptional deductive abilities and his encounters with a variety of mysterious cases. The collection introduces key characters and themes that have become central to the Sherlock Holmes canon, including the complex relationship between Holmes and Dr. John Watson, and the enigmatic figure of Irene Adler, known as 'the woman' who outwitted Holmes.

Washington Irving's "Old Christmas" is an essay that celebrates the festive traditions and spirit of Christmas. It evokes a sense of warmth, community, and generosity, contrasting with the more austere celebrations of his time. Irving's writing romanticizes medieval Christmas celebrations, emphasizing the joy and fellowship shared among people of all social classes. The essay's nostalgic tone and vivid descriptions of cozy scenes by the fireside have contributed to its enduring popularity. It helped to revive public interest in Christmas celebrations and contributed to the popularization of Santa Claus. The essay's charm lies in its ability to capture the essence of Christmas cheer and its emphasis on the importance of human connection during the holiday season.

Beryl Markham's 'West with the Night' recounts her unconventional upbringing in colonial Kenya, her groundbreaking career as Africa's first female racehorse trainer, and her historic 1936 solo transatlantic flight from England to North America. The memoir is celebrated for its lyrical prose and vivid depictions of African landscapes, aviation adventures, and personal resilience.