A Rare Glimpse into Festive Literature History
At Leeds Central Library, a remarkable exhibition is offering visitors an exclusive look into the evolution of Christmas storytelling over two centuries. Among the cherished items on display is a microcosmic marvel—a miniature copy of the King James Bible, rediscovered during the lockdown, and now drawing the eyes of the world. This diminutive tome, dating from circa 1911, is one of the world’s tiniest Bibles and is so compact that reading its text necessitates the use of a magnifying glass.
The exhibition is further enriched by a selection of enthralling 19th Century stories by the esteemed Charles Dickens. These include his perennial favorite “A Christmas Carol” and other treasured works like “The Chimes,” “The Cricket on the Hearth,” and “The Haunted Man.” A testament to the enduring popularity of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is that its initial print run of 6,000 copies was exhausted by Christmas Eve of 1843, necessitating numerous subsequent printings.
Alongside these literary giants, visitors can also peruse an 1812 book of children’s Christmas games titled “Mince Pies for Christmas.” This book is a delightful trove of riddles and games aiming to “exercise the ingenuity of all sensible masters and misses.” A tangible connection to the past is evident where the pages show some charades circled, no doubt by children absorbed in festive play with their families over two centuries ago.
A Festive Collection Beyond Books
The literary treasures are just one aspect of the Christmas display. Bringing the holiday spirit to life, the collection showcases various Christmas-themed artifacts that include a set of illustrated military-themed Christmas cards. Additionally, historical Christmas Editions of local publications such as the Yorkshire Weekly Post and Yorkshire Evening Post from the years 1905, 1924, 1929, and 1933 are exhibited, offering a unique lens through which to view past celebrations.
Rhian Isaac, senior librarian at Leeds Central Library, eloquently expressed the significance of the exhibition: “Christmas has been such a central part of many memorable stories for generations now, and it’s so special to gather these items together and bring back some cherished memories for visitors.”
The exhibit aims not only to showcase rare items but also to evoke a sense of nostalgia and festive cheer. The library intends for visitors to experience a glimpse into historical Christmas celebrations, enriching their contemporary festivities with a thread of continuity from the past.
Engaging the Community in Festive Traditions
Leeds Central Library goes beyond being a repository of books, extending its role to be a vibrant community hub, especially during the festive season. In keeping with this, the library has been hosting an array of Christmas events and activities. These include wreath embroidery workshops and the compelling play “The Stolen Stories of Winterlight,” presented by the Libellule Theatre.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service, and community safety, shared her thoughts on the library’s festive role: “Christmas is such a special time in Leeds and it’s wonderful that library visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the many different ways the Christmas story has been told through the ages.”
The sentiment is echoed in the council’s commitment to community service, with the exhibition also serving to highlight the unique and historical collection maintained by Leeds Central Library. The festive book collection is situated within the Local and Family History section of the library and is accessible to the public free of charge.
For those interested in exploring the Christmas classics exhibition, visiting the Leeds Central Library, or participating in the seasonal activities, more information can be found on the Leeds Inspired website, What’s On in Leeds Libraries | Leeds Inspired.
ENDS