A wonderful book by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse De Segur (1799-1874) of 5 timeless French fairy tales, magnificently illustrated with beautiful and dramatic black-and-white drawings by Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931). De Segur, a French writer of Russian descent, wrote numerous books, the most famous of which was Les Malheurs de Sophie (Sophie's Misfortunes). Done when she was only 19 years of age, this was Chicago-born Sterrett's first book. She is often called the "female Kay Nielsen," referring to the renowned Danish fairy tale illustrator.

"There is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games of former times." So begins Irving's classic recital of Christmas traditions in 19th-century England. Originally part of The Sketch Books of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., which also included Irving's most famous stories, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Old Christmas depicts Irving's Christmas Eve trip by stagecoach to Yorkshire and the delightful holiday games and rituals he shared with his hosts at their home, Bracebridge Hall. Famed...

Published in 1903, this was the original "way to a manis heart," featuring authentic American recipes, European cooking, and Jewish favorites. It was put together by the cooking students at the Milwaukee Settlement House and was an important staple of the American kitchen for more than fifty years.