The Illustrated Christmas Cracker

Christmas Crackers

by John Julius Norwich, Quentin Blake

For over 30 years, in lieu of Christmas cards, the distinguished historian John Julius Norwich has been sending friends his Christmas Crackers—personal collections of quirky quotes and literary odds and ends. Every decade, these have been collected into an anthology. Now Quentin Blake has made a selection of his favorite pieces, illustrating them in his own inimitable style. From curious dictionary definitions to Benjamin Franklin’s account of inventing bifocals, this cracker is stuffed with surprising, offbeat, often hilarious gems.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

John Julius Norwich was an English historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his engaging books on European history and culture. The son of diplomat and politician Duff Cooper and socialite Lady Diana Manners, he received an elite education at Eton, Strasbourg, and Oxford, and served in the Foreign Service before dedicating himself to writing full-time.
He authored acclaimed works on Norman Sicily, Venice, Byzantium, the Mediterranean, and the Papacy, as well as popular anthologies like Christmas Crackers. He was also a familiar voice and face in British media, presenting numerous television documentaries and radio programs. A champion of cultural heritage, he supported causes such as the Venice in Peril Fund and the World Monuments Fund.
Norwich’s wide-ranging output, wit, and accessible style made him a beloved figure in historical writing.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was sent this book from the publisher I was excited about sharing it with my class of children, this however I found was not possible. The text is way too advanced for them and they didn't understand it, also some of the text was not suitable for them.

This is a book that have been compiled of John Norwich's 'Christmas Crackers' he sends to his family and friends at Christmas time, instead of a Christmas card. The book is made up of poetry and prose that he has found amusing.

The illustrations in the book are wonderful, to be honest I expected nothing less from Quentin Blake! They are humorous and fit well with the text.

Some of the quotes I found very funny and others not so, I do feel though that my expectations of the book did not follow with what I actually got. I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to share it with my class as it quickly became apparent this was an adults book.

This is a nice 'coffee table' book as it can be flicked through and you can get a snip of enjoyment from it.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this copy.

[^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing choice of material, though not the selection I would have made from ‘Christmas Crackers, 1970 – 1979” and “More Christmas Crackers, 1980 – 1989’; but there again, everyone is different.

Did Quentin Blake really choose his favourite ‘crackers’ or those which appealed to him to illustrate. I doubt we’ll ever know. I bought this book (secondhand) for the illustrations, not for the author’s content, and am not disappointed. Compared to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”; Quentin Blake’s illustrations in “The Illustrated…” are more cameo in style; but none the less utterly charming, apt, delightful, and funny.

[David Runyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and amusing novelty.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slight work. An interested reader would be better served getting one of the full Christmas Cracker collections. For the serious fan only.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure delight--wonderful snippets of this and that, with marvelous illustrations by the illustrator of the Roald Dahl books. A must-read for anyone who enjoys commonplace books.

[bhagyareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illustrations are an absolute delight!! Only few stories I found amusing 🙈