Ancient-English Christmas Carols

For those who believe Christmas music begins and ends with Mariah Carey, this collection of historic carols dating from 1400 to 1700 A.D. offers a profound and enchanting corrective. Edith Rickert meticulously gathers and arranges these ancient-English songs, transporting readers directly to medieval and Renaissance Christmases through lyrics that feel both sacred and startlingly human. This isn't just a songbook; it's a direct auditory line to centuries of winter celebration, where the sacred and the folkloric intertwine.

What makes this compilation so compelling is its ability to make the distant past feel immediate and resonant. Readers with an interest in early music, historical linguistics, or the deep roots of holiday tradition will find a treasure trove here, discovering the raw, poetic origins of a season's soundtrack. By presenting these carols in their original linguistic character, Rickert doesn't just preserve history—she revives the haunting, joyful voices of celebrations long past, offering a truly timeless musical experience.