The "Moderns" for whom this anthology was intended in 1928 must have been well-educated, for some of the excerpts and selections in this anthology are in Latin and French, and archaic forms of English. Much of this book consists of brief excerpts from letters, books, and newspapers , as well as poems. The table of contents (but not the book itself) is arranged chronologically, beginning with Catullus! ( )

One of the finest Christmas anthologies. Published between the wars, this is a collection for moderns rather than by moderns (though one or two appear). Put simply, this anthology eschews the standard 19th century fare of Dickens, Mendelssohn in favour of earlier celebrations of Christmas. One or two comparative contemporaries are thrown in for good measure (and, in the case of Henry James, mocked). Even if you don't hate Victoriana as much as the editors, this is still a wonderful anthology – with nothing twee or cutesy in sight. It is also worth noting that the book's design and typography is superb. ( )