A celebration of holiday poetry, fiction, essays, recipes, and songs by more than sixty of the Bluegrass state's finest writers. Gathered here are writings from some of the legendary voices of Kentucky—and the nation—as well as original Christmas stories and poetry from some of the state's emerging talents. Among the contributors to this handsome collection are Kentucky's visionaries, storytellers, historians, singers, cooks, children's authors, and poets, and several Kentucky Poets Laureate. A delight for anyone interested in Kentucky literature, history, or traditions, A Kentucky Christmas promises to be a wonderful holiday gift, a treasured family keepsake, and a necessary addition for libraries and for personal collections.
Long before the official establishment of the Commonwealth, intrepid pioneers ventured west of the Allegheny Mountains into an expansive, alluring wilderness that they began to call Kentucky. After blazing trails, clearing plots, and surviving innumerable challenges, a few adventurers found time to pen celebratory tributes to their new homeland. In the two centuries that followed, many of the world’s finest writers, both native Kentuckians and visitors, have paid homage to the Bluegrass State with the written word. In The Kentucky Anthology, acclaimed author and literary historian Wade Hall has assembled an unprecedented and comprehensive compilation of writings pertaining to Kentucky and its land, people, and culture. Hall’s introductions to each author frame both popular and lesser-known selections in a historical context. He examines the major cultural and political developments in the history of the Commonwealth, finding both parallels and marked distinctions between Kentucky and the rest of the United States. While honoring the heritage of Kentucky in all its glory, Hall does not blithely turn away from the state’s most troubling episodes and institutions such as racism, slavery, and war. Hall also builds the argument, bolstered by the strength and significance of the collected writings, that Kentucky’s best writers compare favorably with the finest in the world. Many of the authors presented here remain universally renowned and beloved, while others have faded into the tides of time, waiting for rediscovery. Together, they guide the reader on a literary tour of Kentucky, from the mines to the rivers and from the deepest hollows to the highest peaks. The Kentucky Anthology traces the interests and aspirations, the achievements and failures and the comedies and tragedies that have filled the lives of generations of Kentuckians. These diaries, letters, speeches, essays, poems, and stories bring history brilliantly to life. Jesse Stuart once wrote, “If these United States can be called a body, Kentucky can be called its heart.” The Kentucky Anthology captures the rhythm and spirit of that heart in the words of its most remarkable chroniclers.
The acclaimed author of Hell and Ohio shares a story collection set in Eastern Kentucky “so visceral that you can almost feel the grit of coal dust” (Booklist). Chris Holbrook burst onto the southern literary scene with Hell and Ohio: Stories of Southern Appalachia, stories that Robert Morgan described as “elegies for land and lives disappearing under mudslides from strip mines and new trailer parks and highways.” Now, with the publication of Upheaval, Holbrook more than answers the promise of that auspicious debut. In eight interrelated stories set in Eastern Kentucky, Chris Holbrook captures a region and its people as they struggle in the face of poverty, isolation, change, and the devastation of land at the hands of the coal and timber industries. With a native’s ear for dialect and a gritty realism reminiscent of Larry Brown and Cormac McCarthy, the stories in Upheaval prove that Holbrook is not only a faithful chronicler and champion of Appalachia’s working poor but also one of the most gifted writers of his generation.
This holiday, e-artnow presents to you this unique collection of the greatest Christmas classics: most beloved novels, tales, legends, poetry & carols - to warm up your heart and rekindle your holiday sparkle: The First Christmas Of New England (Harriet Beecher Stowe) The Gift of the Magi (O. Henry) The Holy Night (Selma Lagerlöf) A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories (Louisa May Alcott) A Letter from Santa Claus (Mark Twain) Silent Night The Night After Christmas The Child Born at Bethlehem The Adoration of the Shepherds The Visit of the Wise Men As Joseph Was A-Walking The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter) Where Love Is, God Is (Leo Tolstoy) The Three Kings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) A Christmas Carol (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (L. Frank Baum) Christmas At Sea (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman (Emily Dickinson) The Heavenly Christmas Tree (Fyodor Dostoevsky) The Little City of Hope (F. Marion Crawford) Christmas in the Olden Time (Walter Scott) Christmas In India (Rudyard Kipling) A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) The Twelve Days of Christmas The Wonderful Wizard of OZ (L. Frank Baum) Ring Out, Wild Bells (Alfred Lord Tennyson) Little Lord Fauntleroy (Frances Hodgson Burnett) Black Beauty (Anna Sewell) The Christmas Child (Hesba Stretton) Granny's Wonderful Chair (Frances Browne) The Romance of a Christmas Card (Kate Douglas Wiggin) Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame) The Wonderful Life - Story of the life and death of our Lord (Hesba Stretton) The Christmas Angel (A. Brown) Christmas at Thompson Hall (Anthony Trollope) Christmas Every Day (William Dean Howells) The Lost Word (Henry van Dyke) The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (E. T. A. Hoffmann) The Little Match Girl The Elves and the Shoemaker Mother Holle The Star Talers Snow-White…
The perfect business arrangement? When entrepreneur Ricky Langley offers Eloise Vaughn the help she needs, in exchange for her attending twelve Christmas parties as his date, she can't refuse. Yes, Ricky's handsome, and devastatingly charming, but this is about business. If only her racing heart would get the message! Ricky has his own reasons for hating Christmas. But with each date that passes Eloise opens his eyes to the spirit of the season…and opens his heart to a totally different future….
Pull up a chair to the kitchen table and enjoy a delicious adventure through the Bluegrass State’s food history. Kentucky’s cuisine can be traced back to Cherokee, Irish, Scottish, English and German roots, among others. A typical Kentucky meal might have the standard meat and three, but there are many dishes that can’t be found anywhere else. Poke sallet, despite its toxic roots and berries, is such a favorite in parts of eastern Kentucky that an annual festival celebrates it. Find recipes for dishes from burgoo to hog to moonshine and frogs. Join author Fiona Young-Brown as she details all the delectable delights sure to make the mouth water.
The Must-Read Novels for Christmas Time (Illustrated Edition) presents a breathtaking mosaic of literary talent and thematic exploration, perfect for the festive season. This anthology boasts an assortment of literary styles, from the enchanting to the reflective, covering a wide spectrum of Christmas experiences. Within its pages, readers will find classic tales of hope, joy, and reflection that resonate with the timeless spirit of Christmas. The diversity of the collection highlights significant works of varying tones and settings, each piece contributing to a rich, multidimensional portrayal of the holiday season. The anthology stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Christmas narratives and their ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and warmth. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries such as Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott, bring together a vast array of perspectives and literary expertise. Their collective works reflect significant movements and moments in literary history, from Victorian moral tales to early 20th-century reflections on social justice, showcasing the evolving nature of Christmas stories. Their diverse backgrounds and literary styles enrich the anthologys overall theme, offering a kaleidoscopic view of Christmas that transcends time and geographical boundaries. This collection aligns with various cultural and literary movements, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the holiday's portrayal in literature over the years. The Must-Read Novels for Christmas Time (Illustrated Edition) is a must-have for readers eager to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season through the lens of classic literature. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of narratives that reflect the complexity and joy of Christmas, making it an ideal read for those seeking to deepen their appreciation of the holidays cultural significance. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the historical and cultural contexts of its stories, but also as a source of inspiration and reflection. It is an invitation to engage with the seasons themes of hope, generosity, and renewal through the masterful storytelling of some of literatures most celebrated authors.
Within the pages of 'Down the Chimney: 100+ Most Treasured Christmas Novels & Stories in One Volume (Illustrated),' readers are treated to a grand tapestry of Christmas narratives that span a variety of literary styles and epochs. This collection brings together a rich assortment of tales that reflect the diverse ways in which the yuletide season has been celebrated, interpreted, and cherished across different cultures and time periods. Featuring a medley of works from revered authors such as Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy to less familiar yet equally poignant voices, this anthology bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, highlighting standout pieces that capture the essence of Christmas. The diversity in storytelling, from the magical realism of E. T. A. Hoffmann to the stark realism of Anton Chekhov, eloquently mirrors the multifaceted nature of Christmas itself, making this collection a significant literary treasure. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various backgrounds, bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives to this anthology. Their cumulative oeuvre spans the entirety of the 19th and early 20th centuries, a period rich with literary innovation and cultural shifts that influenced how Christmas was perceived and celebrated. Embedded within these narratives are reflections of the changing social, political, and economic climates of their times. This collective work aligns with significant historical and cultural movements, offering readers not just stories, but a window into the worldviews and societal norms of past eras. The varied voices in this collection, from the fervent abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe to the visionary fantasy of L. Frank Baum, collectively enrich our understanding of Christmas as a cultural phenomenon, providing a comprehensive overview of its impact on literature and society. 'Down the Chimney: 100+ Most Treasured Christmas Novels & Stories in One Volume (Illustrated)' is an indispensable anthology for those who wish to explore the myriad ways in which Christmas has been depicted in literature. It invites readers into a world where Christmas is not just a holiday, but a pivotal theme around which narratives of hope, redemption, and transformation revolve. This collection offers a unique opportunity to delve into a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes, all unified by the spirit of Christmas. It is recommended for scholars, students, and any reader seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Christmas literature through the ages, fostering a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary, the magical and the mundane. In doing so, it promises to kindle the Christmas spirit in the hearts of its readers, making it a cherished volume for generations to come.
