A Calendar of Carols by Gordon Giles

'A useful, well-researched tool for those who want to know more about how the carols we sing came about - but would have benefitted from some illustrations'

A Calendar of Carols - Christmas reflections, prayers and songs of praise   
By Gordon Giles
BRF
ISBN: 9781800392793
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

 
I have always enjoyed finding out the history and meaning of the carols we sing at Christmas as well as learning carols from other parts of the world. This small book seemed right up my street and I looked forward to reading it.
 
The author is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He has written a number of books for BRF and edits New Daylight Bible reading notes. He is also an editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern and The Revised English Hymnal.
 
There are 25 readings corresponding to the days of Advent. Each day focuses on a different carol with comments on the history and content of the chosen carol with short reflections on it. This is followed by a prayer.

The 26th day is an epilogue with thoughts on Saint Stephen. Appendix 1 is Giles own stitching together of words from various carols to make a Christmas story. The makes clunky reading but might be fun in a Christmas quiz, to get people to spot the carols. Appendix 2 is a useful list of the carols mentioned and YouTube addresses of sung versions.
 
There are many books out there about how Christmas carols came about. This small volume has a plethora of well-researched detail. Canon Giles has done an excellent job.

However, I found this book’s presentation dull. There are no illustrations. Such a pity as each carol could be enhanced by the accompaniment of a picture of a famous painting or modern artwork to brighten up the appearance of the book and aid reflection on the words.
 
It is a useful tool for those who want to know more about how the carols we sing came about. But at £12.99 I found it overpriced.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife