THE CHRISTMAS TREE BOOK: The History of the Christmas Tree and Antique Christmas Tree Ornaments

A seasonal bonus, too big to stuff a stocking but just right for under-the-tree display. The tradition of trees in the home began in northern Germany--where supply permitted--then spread to heavily forested America and, to a lesser extent, to Victoria's England. Ornaments came later and developed from a cottage industry of hand-produced fixtures--of glass, tinsel, wax-covered papier-mache--to the mass-produced items of the last few decades. Synder traces the history of trees and their paraphernalia, artfully introducing early evidence, recording their ""increased popularity, and describing the more recent merchandising adventures. The reproductions are delightful--a bird with a spun glass tail, a light bulb shaped like a tulip, embossed cardboard figures, even importer Eckhardt's revolving musical Christmas tree holder.