This antique book contains two written pieces by Washington Irving: 'An Old Christmas' and 'Bracebridge Hall'. 'An Old Christmas' is a charming piece detailing old English Christmas traditions, also beautifully illustrated by the British illustrator, Randolph Caldecott. 'Bracebridge Hall' is a series of character sketches set at Bracebridge Hall, near Birmingham, England. Containing a number of individual plots, this narrative concentrates on the occupants of the English manor: the Bracebridge family. A delightful book that is sure to appeal to fans and collectors of Irving's prolific work, this antique text is well deserving of a place on any bookshelf and is not to be missed. Washington Irving (1783 - 1859) was a nineteenth century, American author, biographer, essayist, historian, and diplomat. Originally published in 1919, we are proud to republish this text, now complete with a new prefatory biography of the author.

Rough draughts of some of the following tales and essays were actually written during a residence in the Alhambra; others were subsequently added, founded on notes and observations made there. Care was taken to maintain local coloring and verisimilitude; so that the whole might present a faithful and living picture of that microcosm, that singular little world into which I had been fortuitously thrown; and about which the external world had a very imperfect idea. It was my endeavor scrupulously to depict its half Spanish, half Oriental character; its mixture of the heroic, the poetic, and the grotesque; to revive the traces of grace and beauty fast fading from its walls; to record the regal and chivalrous traditions concerning those who once trod its courts; and the whimsical and superstitious legends of the motley race now burrowing among its ruins.