WE GATHER TOGETHER

A companion volume to Earl W. Count's 5000 Years of Christmas published last year, this is a similar account of the origins and traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday. Returning in time to its inception in the Old Testament, this continues downward to the English Harvest Home, its transfer to America with the Pilgrims, and from contemporary sources, the menus, customs, entertainments entailed. And finally, after many attempts, the legalization of Thanksgiving as a national holiday during Lincoln's presidental term.... For younger readers as well, a brief and very simple presentation.