This book is a general illustrated history of the history of the Christmas crib, creche, or Nativity Scene, inspired by the author’s love of cribs and his curiosity as towhere and when they began, and why. The Gospel narratives are covered along with the history of the actual site of Jesus’ birth – the Church of the Nativity and the institution of the feast of Christmas. The book looks at the influences of art and drama (and liturgy) on the development of the crib, and the great influence of St Francis of Assisi in recreating the scene at Greccio. It then looks at the history and development of cribs through to the modern age and answers those questions that we have about the crib: Why is it sometimes ina cave and sometimes in a stable, or indeed elsewhere. When do the ox and ass appear – they are not in the New Testament. Who are the two midwives that come and go in art and drama of the Nativity. Why do Neapolitan and Provencal cribshave people from the whole community visiting the crib. The book will also cover the spread of the crib through the world.

This book is written as a general history for everyone to enjoy, not just Christians but anyone interested in Art History or Christmas in general. It would make an excellent Christmas gift.