100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

This Is Christmas, Song by Song

The Stories Behind 100 Holiday Hits
3.44 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 150 ratings, 35 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
This Is Christmas, Song by Song by Annie Zaleski is a delightful exploration of classic Christmas carols and songs, analysing their origins and cultural impact. The book dives into the history and stories behind beloved holiday music, connecting them to broader themes of tradition, faith, and community spirit. It's perfect for those interested in the timeless appeal and enduring significance of Christmas music.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$4999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this festive journey through the stories and history behind beloved Christmas songs. This book could appeal to you if you have an interest in exploring the cultural and spiritual significance of holiday music and enjoy a comprehensive, song-by-song exploration of this cherished tradition.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Celebrate the merriest season of the year with award-winning author and music journalist Annie Zaleski's collection of the most popular and beloved holiday songs of all time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
This beautiful hardcover keepsake package will be the perfect gift for loved ones at Christmas, offering readers fascinating history and behind-the-scenes stories of 100 Christmas songs and their everlasting impact.

'Tis the season! Break out the eggnog, hang the mistletoe, blast those Christmas songs, and settle down in your favourite armchair with this beautifully illustrated volume exploring well-known and lesser-known behind-the-scenes stories of the 100 most cherished holiday songs of all time and their everlasting impact. From artists such as Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald all the way up to Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande, this all-encompassing collection of holiday favourites is sure to warm your heart during the merriest season of the year.

What song was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling single of all time? Which popular Christmas tune was reportedly written to commemorate Thanksgiving? What holiday song led to a special meet-and-greet between the song's 10-year-old singer and a 700-pound hippopotamus?

Spanning musical genres and decades of classics and modern hits, some of the featured songs include:

- "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

- "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

- "Deck the Halls" by Mannheim Steamroller

- "Christmas Tree Farm" by Taylor Swift

- "Christmas Time (Is Here Again)" by The Beatles

- "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano

- "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry

- "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" by Gwen Stefani

- "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt

- "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee

- "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by NSYNC

- "Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry

And many more!

Including full-colour illustrations throughout, this gorgeously packaged compendium is the perfect gift for you and your loved ones to experience the holiday magic year after year.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book by Annie Zaleski is praised for its engaging exploration of 100 significant Christmas songs, presenting a mix of popular standards and less conventional tunes. Reviews highlight its appeal to both music enthusiasts and Christmas fans, noting the charming illustrations and crisp prose. It's deemed a delightful addition to public library collections and a must-have for devotees of festive music.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780762482726

Publisher: Running Press,U.S.

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 19 October 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Running Press Adult

Illustration: 75 full-color illustrations throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Darling Clementine

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 184.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 667g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Annie Zaleski is an author, editor, and journalist with a focus on music and pop culture. Her work has appeared in dozens of publications, including NPR Music, The Guardian, Time, Rolling Stone, Salon, Billboard, The A.V. Club, Vulture, Alternative Press, Stereogum, The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times, and Cleveland Plain Dealer. She is the author of a 33 1/3 book on Duran Duran's Rio, Lady Gaga: Applause, and Pink: Raise Your Glass, and contributed an essay to Go All The Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop, among others. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Darling Clementine is a duo of designers and illustrators, Ingrid Reithaug & Tonje Holand. Ingrid and Tonje both did their university degrees in the UK, but are now working and living in Oslo. Since launching their independent stationery line in 2006, they have developed a worldwide brand with an extensive assortment, selling everywhere from Tokyo to Helsinki. Their style was the platform when establishing a design studio with the same name, undertaking a wide range of various commissions. These days, the business is divided in two sections, DC Creative & DC Decorative. DC Creative takes on all sorts of design and illustration commissions, alongside DC Decorative, who aims to develop and take care of the brand, constantly launching new products.

Also by Annie Zaleski

View all
  • Beyoncé: The Stories Behind the Songs
    Discover the full story behind every single song Beyoncé has ever released. From Destiny's Child to Cowboy Carter, this is the definitive guide to one of music's greatest ever talents, covering hundreds of songs including: hit singles hidden gems soundtracks cover versions deep cuts ...and much more besides. Award-winning music writer Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Guardian) explores and...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Harry Styles
    One of the most streamed and most followed celebrities of the twenty-first century, Harry Styles is undoubtedly the breakout pop star of our times. After finding global fame as part of boyband phenomenon One Direction, Styles left to pursue a solo career in 2016. In the years since, Harry's music has evolved, with three chart-topping albums and countless awards, honours,...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Queens of Disco
    From leading vocalists such as Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer and The Pointer Sisters, who helped popularise disco music in the late seventies, to modern-day disco divas including Madonna and Kylie Minogue, Queens of Disco is an electrifying must-read for dance music enthusiasts. This joyful book explores disco's emergence in the underground club scene and unpicks its influence on DJ culture...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Essential... Lady Gaga
    The Essential... Lady Gaga explores the many talents of one of the world's most interesting and innovative artists. Beyond her success as a talented musician and songwriter, Lady Gaga is a consummate actor, a generous philanthropist and a long-time friend to the LGBTQ+ community. Unafraid to take risks, she is genre-defying, as adept performing jazz in Vegas as she is...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • I Got You Babe
    Covering her life and sixty-year career from Sonny & Cher to show-stopping solo performer, award-winning actress, fashion icon, and beyond, this is a glorious retrospective of one of the world's most enduring entertainers, Cher. Commemorating six decades since her first #1 hit in 1965, I Got You Babe captures Cher's one-of-a-kind life. How many artists can claim to have had...
    Hardback
    $6000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Taylor Swift - The Stories Behind the Songs
    Meticulously researched... Every Swiftie will want this -THE SUN Every Taylor song explained... A cut above -THE GUARDIAN The full story behind every single song Taylor Swift has ever released. Covering eleven albums, more than 250 songs, hidden gems, cover versions, vault tracks and more, this is the definitive guide to Taylor Swift's incredible songbook and a celebration of one...
    Hardback
    $7000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Pre-order
    Dolly Parton: The Stories Behind the Songs
    Discover the fascinating stories that lie behind the music.In a career spanning 75 glorious years, Dolly Parton has written some of the greatest songs in music history. Join award-winning author Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard) as she uncovers the fascinating inspiration behind more than 150 of Dolly's finest compositions from across her long and hit-filled career.From her biggest hits to...
    Hardback
    $6000
    Pre-order
    Out 4 Aug 2026
  • The Essential... Harry Styles
    Harry Styles’ rise to mega stardom is undeniable. From boy band heartthrob to global pop phenomenon, Styles has dominated both the music and fashion worlds for over 15 years and continues to break creative boundaries, and produce absolute bangers. Beloved as much for his charisma as for his melodic vocals, Harry delivers hit after hit, and sells out stadiums the world...
    Hardback
    $5100
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • We Found Love, Song by Song
    Love songs are for everybody and so is this book. In We Found Love, Song by Song, award-winning author and music journalist Annie Zaleski delivers a beautifully illustrated keepsake that tells the fascinating history and behind-the-scenes stories of the 100 most popular and cherished love songs of all time.Pop the champagne, get the roses ready, and settle down in your...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Duran Duran's Rio, Limited Edition
    This limited printing, hardcover 40th anniversary edition includes: An exclusive new interview with lead singer Simon Le Bon A Rio timeline A newly designed book cover by Rio album sleeve designer, Malcolm Garrette Vintage Duran Duran photos and ads And much more... In the '80s, the Birmingham, England, band Duran Duran became closely associated with new wave, an idiosyncratic genre...
    Hardback
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Duran Duran's Rio
    In the '80s, the Birmingham, England, band Duran Duran became closely associated with new wave, an idiosyncratic genre that dominated the decade's music and culture. No album represented this rip-it-up-and-start-again movement better than the act's breakthrough 1982 LP, Rio. A cohesive album with a retro-futuristic sound—influences include danceable disco, tangy funk, swaggering glam, and Roxy Music's art-rock—the full-length sold millions...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Stevie Nicks in 50 Songs
    A visually stunning, definitive tribute to rock's most enigmatic, enduring, and stylish icon, Stevie Nicks, written by New York Times bestselling music journalist Annie Zaleski. This beautifully illustrated book goes beyond the glitter and shawls to explore the raw artistry, resilience, and magic that define Stevie Nicks's five-decade career. From singing "Are You Mine" with her grandfather in Phoenix to...
    Hardback
    $7000
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Odyssey
    The epic final chapter to Stephen Fry's outstanding retellings of the Greek Myths. Troy has fallen. After 10 years of war, the Greeks make their way back to their own lands—but what homes now await them? Agamemnon must return to his wife Clytemnestra, who has been nursing her rage since he sacrificed their daughter to the gods for a favourable...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Prosperous Heart
    Cameron is a veteran of the modern self-care movement — THE NEW YORK TIMES Discover the true meaning of prosperity and abundance in this uplifting and beneficial guide — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Create a sense of security and wealth in your life by applying Julia Cameron's bestselling Artist's Way techniques to the topic of prosperity. How do we keep a roof...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    2027 Moon Goddess Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    This full-colour, beautifully illustrated planner will teach you how to harness the energy and guidance of the moon, seasons, and sacred celebrations of 2027 so you can thrive throughout the year.As you're guided through the year, learn how to use crystals, essential oils, affirmations, and rituals to harness your inner goddess. You'll also discover how to live in harmony and...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Falling Upward, Revised and Updated
    An update to the bestselling Falling Upward from Franciscan Father Richard Rohr In the revised and updated edition of Falling Upward, Richard Rohr seeks to help readers come to terms with the two halves of life. In this book, Rohr teaches us that we cannot understand the meaning of "up" until we have fallen "down." More importantly, Rohr describes what...
    Hardback
    $4700
    Elsewhere:
    $5199
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...
    Paperback
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.