2
mbrance of the good old times, so fast passing, should have entirely passed away, the present artist, R. Caldecott, and engraver, James D. Cooper, planned to illustrate Washington Irving's "Old Christmas" in this manner. Their primary idea was to carry out the principle of the Sketch Book, by incorporating the designs with the text. Throughout they have worked together and con amore. With what success the public must decide.
NOVEMBER 1875.
[Illustration: CONTENTS]
PAGE
CHRISTMAS 1
THE STAGE COACH 17
CHRISTMAS EVE 41
CHRISTMAS DAY 75
THE CHRISTMAS DINNER 117
[Illustration]
[Illustration: LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS]
DESIGNED BY RANDOLPH CALDECOTT,
AND
ARRANGED AND ENGRAVED BY J. D. COOPER.
THE OLD MANSION BY MOONLIGHT--Frontispiece.
TITLE-PAGE.
PAGE
ANCIENT FIREPLACE iv
HEADING TO PREFACE v
HEADING TO CONTENTS vii
TAILPIECE TO CONTENTS vii
HEADING TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ix
TAILPIECE TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiv
"THE POOR FROM THE GATES WERE NOT CHIDDEN" xvi
HEADING TO CHRISTMAS 1
THE MOULDERING TOWER 2
CHRISTMAS ANTHEM IN CATHEDRAL 4
THE WANDERER'S RETURN 5
"NATURE LIES DESPOILED OF EVERY CHARM" 6
"THE HONEST FACE OF HOSPITALITY" 8
"THE SHY GLANCE OF LOVE" 8
OLD HALL OF CASTLE 10
THE GREAT OAKEN GALLERY 12
THE WAITS 14
"AND SIT DOWN DARKLING AND REPINING" 16
THE STAGE COACH 19
THE THREE SCHOOLBOYS 20
THE OLD ENGLISH STAGE COACHMAN 23
"HE THROWS DOWN THE REINS WITH SOMETHING OF AN AIR" 25
THE STABLE IMITATORS 26
THE PUBLIC HOUSE 28
THE HOUSEMAID 29
THE SMITHY 30
"NOW OR NEVER MUST MUSIC BE IN TUNE" 32
THE COUNTRY MAID 32
THE OLD SERVANT AND BANTAM 34
A NEAT COUNTRY SEAT 35
INN KITCHEN 37
THE RECOGNITION. TAILPIECE 40
THE POST-CHAISE 43
THE LODGE GA