Darkest Christmas

Darkest Christmas PDF Author: Peter Harmsen
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 1636241905
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
"This book is of interest to any scholar of World War II, particularly those focused on bridging culture and war. Highly readable, this text is suitable for undergraduate and popular audiences as well. Many should find its analysis to be a refreshing take on the well-trodden field of World War II histories." — Journal of Military History December 1942 saw the bloodiest Christmas in the history of mankind. From the islands in the Pacific to the China front, from the trenches in Russia to the battle lines in North Africa, in the skies over Europe and in the depths of the Atlantic, men were killing each other in greater numbers than ever before. The Holocaust continued, and innocent civilians were murdered by the thousands throughout the evil Nazi empire, even as the perpetrators celebrated the birth of Christ. Millions stationed in far-off lands amid the greatest conflict in human history feared this was their last Christmas in freedom, or their last Christmas alive. At the same time as the slaughter continued unabated, throughout the world there were random acts of kindness, born out of an instinctive feeling of the essential brotherhood of man. These gestures also straddled religious barriers and sometimes included those of non-Christian faiths. Even some Japanese, otherwise embarked on a self-declared crusade against the West, relented for a few precious hours in acknowledgment of the holiday. At the same time, Christmas 1942 saw the injunction of ‘good will to man’ distorted in ugly and callous ways. At Auschwitz, SS guards played cruel games with their prisoners. In Berlin, the German heart of darkness, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels spent time with his family while still buried in feverish fantasies about the Jewish world conspiracy. Christmas 1942 saw the entire range of man’s conduct towards his fellow man, reflecting the extremes of behavior, good and bad, that World War II gave rise to. The way the holiday was marked around the world tells a deeper and more universal story of the human condition in extraordinary times.

Darkest Christmas

Darkest Christmas PDF Author: Peter Harmsen
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 1636241905
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
"This book is of interest to any scholar of World War II, particularly those focused on bridging culture and war. Highly readable, this text is suitable for undergraduate and popular audiences as well. Many should find its analysis to be a refreshing take on the well-trodden field of World War II histories." — Journal of Military History December 1942 saw the bloodiest Christmas in the history of mankind. From the islands in the Pacific to the China front, from the trenches in Russia to the battle lines in North Africa, in the skies over Europe and in the depths of the Atlantic, men were killing each other in greater numbers than ever before. The Holocaust continued, and innocent civilians were murdered by the thousands throughout the evil Nazi empire, even as the perpetrators celebrated the birth of Christ. Millions stationed in far-off lands amid the greatest conflict in human history feared this was their last Christmas in freedom, or their last Christmas alive. At the same time as the slaughter continued unabated, throughout the world there were random acts of kindness, born out of an instinctive feeling of the essential brotherhood of man. These gestures also straddled religious barriers and sometimes included those of non-Christian faiths. Even some Japanese, otherwise embarked on a self-declared crusade against the West, relented for a few precious hours in acknowledgment of the holiday. At the same time, Christmas 1942 saw the injunction of ‘good will to man’ distorted in ugly and callous ways. At Auschwitz, SS guards played cruel games with their prisoners. In Berlin, the German heart of darkness, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels spent time with his family while still buried in feverish fantasies about the Jewish world conspiracy. Christmas 1942 saw the entire range of man’s conduct towards his fellow man, reflecting the extremes of behavior, good and bad, that World War II gave rise to. The way the holiday was marked around the world tells a deeper and more universal story of the human condition in extraordinary times.

A Christmas Wish (Darkest Fears Christmas Special, Book Four)

A Christmas Wish (Darkest Fears Christmas Special, Book Four) PDF Author: Clair Delaney
Publisher: Clair Delaney
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description
A Contemporary Feel Good Christmas Romance. Coral and Tristan have faced many challenges in the short time they have known each other and have come out stronger than ever. They managed to find love against odds so steep, it would scare those of lesser hearts, yet they have held strong through trauma, the past, death and violence. Now settled in their Brighton home together, they face their final challenge - Christmas. It's the one time of year full of heart warming reunions with family and friends, when love is in the air and people are full of festive cheer. Christmas carols are played in stores, Christmas lights decorate the shops and towns and the countdown to Christmas has begun. So with Christmas fast approaching, Coral and Tristan must decide what to do for their very first Christmas together. However Coral has a Christmas wish, and she is determined to make it come true. But as events unfold, Coral comes to realise that sometimes, the one thing you think you really want, isn't always what you truly need... A feel good Contemporary Romantic Christmas Novella that will warm your heart. Part of the Darkest Fears Trilogy, this Christmas Novella continues from the end of the third book in the series, Forever With Him and contains spoilers. It is advised to read all three books consecutively and then the Christmas Novella. This is a British novel written in UK English. Buy A Christmas Wish Today On Google Play! Grab a mug of hot chocolate, sit back and relax with Coral and Tristan once again...

Dark Christmas Collection: 30+ Supernatural Thrillers, Mysteries & Ghost Stories

Dark Christmas Collection: 30+ Supernatural Thrillers, Mysteries & Ghost Stories PDF Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1095

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Book Description
The Dark Christmas Collection offers a poignant blend of chilling narratives and yuletide eeriness, showcasing over thirty supernatural thrillers, mysteries, and ghost stories. This anthology boasts a remarkable range of literary styles, from the gothic to the quaintly macabre, each piece echoing the unique allure of the festive season intertwined with the supernatural. The diversity within this collection is its crown jewel, presenting readers with a spectrum of eerie Christmas tales that promise to enchant and unsettle in equal measure. Standout pieces, without singling out authors, manage to perfectly encapsulate the dual spirits of Christmas and spectral wonder, making this compilation a notable contribution to the genre of supernatural literature. The contributing writers, ranging from the likes of Charles Dickens to M.R. James, are unified by their mastery in crafting narratives that delve into the darker facets of the human and beyond-human experience, often against the stark, contrasting backdrop of Christmas cheer. This convergence of authors, many of whom were pioneers or significant figures in their respective eras, represents a cross-section of literary movements from Victorian ghost stories to early modernist explorations of the uncanny. The anthology serves not only as a captivating collection of ghostly Christmas tales but also as a lens through which the evolution of the supernatural in literature can be observed, highlighting how different generations have interpreted the intertwining of festive joy and spectral dread. Dark Christmas Collection is an indispensable volume for anyone fascinated by the shadowy borderlands where the Christmas spirit meets the supernatural. It invites readers to revel in a multi-faceted exploration of ghostly narratives that challenge and redefine traditional yuletide imagery. This anthology is not just a reading experienceit is an invitation to witness a unique blend of horror and celebration, making it a distinctive addition to any collection. Scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike will find educational value, varied insights, and above all, a rich tapestry of stories that echo the complex relationship between the living and the ethereal, encapsulated within the amber glow of Christmas.

ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT – 25 Holiday Spook Classics & Murder Mysteries

ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT – 25 Holiday Spook Classics & Murder Mysteries PDF Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 868

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Book Description
ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT 25 Holiday Spook Classics & Murder Mysteries gathers together an exceptional anthology that bridges the festive cheer of the holiday season with the intriguing shadows of mystery and the supernatural. This collection boasts an impressive palette of literary styles, weaving through the eerie corridors of gothic tales, the enigmatic puzzles of classic mysteries, and the chilling whispers of ghost stories. It illuminates the oft-overlooked darker side of Christmas literature, promising to surprise and captivate readers with its unique juxtaposition of holiday warmth against a backdrop of suspense and spectral ambiance. The range of narratives included showcases the versatility and innovation of its celebrated contributors, making it a standout compilation in the genre of holiday literature. The anthology is curated by a distinguished assembly of authors whose names are synonymous with the pinnacle of English literature and the development of the mystery and supernatural genres. Figures such as Charles Dickens, recognized for intertwining the spectral with the festive, and Arthur Conan Doyle, master of the detective story, contribute to the anthologys rich canvas of holiday noir. The collection not only aligns with the literary movements of Gothic and Victorian mystery but also reflects the eras fascination with the ghostly and the macabre, breathing new life into the traditional Christmas narrative. By combining the works of such illustrious writers, this anthology provides a multifaceted exploration of the themes of redemption, duality, and the supernatural that these holidays evoke. ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT is an invitation to readers to venture beyond the conventional holiday tales into a realm where the festive spirit meets the mysterious and the uncanny. It offers a unique opportunity to revel in the mastery of classic storytelling while exploring the complex intersection of joy and fear, celebration and contemplation. This collection is an indispensable addition for those who seek to deepen their appreciation of literary craftsmanship and are intrigued by the shadowy dimensions of holiday lore. Its educational value and the rich dialogue it fosters between the different authors works make it a must-read for enthusiasts of literature, history, and the arts alike.

The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas

The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas PDF Author: Al Ridenour
Publisher: Feral House
ISBN: 162731041X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 327

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Book Description
The Krampus, a folkloric devil associated with St. Nicholas in Alpine Austria and Germany, has been embraced by the American counterculture and is lately skewing mainstream. The new Christmas he seems to embody is ironically closer to an ancient understanding of the holiday as a perilous, haunted season. In the Krampus' world, witches rule Christmas, and saints can sometimes kill.

Christmas After Dark - 36 Holiday Ghost Stories & Supernatural Thrillers

Christmas After Dark - 36 Holiday Ghost Stories & Supernatural Thrillers PDF Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Publisher: e-artnow
ISBN: 802688051X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 931

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Book Description
Who would ever say no to the master story tellers when they have to offer their darkest tingling Christmas mysteries and horror tales as a holiday present: The Silver Hatchet (Arthur Conan Doyle) What the Shepherd Saw: A Tale of Four Moonlight Nights (Thomas Hardy) Markheim (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Wolves of Cernogratz (Saki) Mustapha (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Story of a Disappearance and an Appearance (M.R. James) The Christmas Banquet (Nathaniel Hawthorne) The Ghost's Touch (Fergus Hume) Glámr (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Ghosts at Grantley (Leonard Kip) A Terrible Christmas Eve (Lucie E. Jackson) Ghosts and Family Legends (Catherine Crowe) The Ghost: A Christmas Story (William Douglas O'Connor) Thurlow's Christmas Story (John Kendrick Bangs) The Mystery of My Grandmother's Hair Sofa (John Kendrick Bangs) The Abbot's Ghost; or Maurice Treherne's Temptation (Louisa M. Alcott) Old Applejoy's Ghost (Frank R. Stockton) Wolverden Tower (Grant Allen) The Christmas-Eve Vigil (James Bowker) Told After Supper (Jerome K. Jerome) The Box with the Iron Clamps (Florence Marryat) Joseph: A Story (Katherine Rickford) The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (Charles Dickens) The Ghost of Christmas Eve (J. M. Barrie) The Dead Sexton (Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu) Uncle Cornelius His Story (George MacDonald) The Grave by the Handpost (Thomas Hardy) Number Ninety (Bithia Mary Croker) At Chrighton Abbey (Mary Elizabeth Braddon) The Haunted Man (Charles Dickens) Doctor Marigold's Prescriptions (Charles Dickens) The Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) The Black Bag Left on a Door-Step (Catherine L. Pirkis) Between the Lights (E. F. Benson) Transition (Algernon Blackwood) The Kit-Bag (Algernon Blackwood)

Ghosts of Christmas Past & Other Dark Festive Tales

Ghosts of Christmas Past & Other Dark Festive Tales PDF Author: Sam Kates
Publisher: Sam Kates
ISBN: 1912718170
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Book Description
Four festive tales of the supernatural, apocalyptic and blood-sucking variety—an antidote for anyone who occasionally finds Christmas overly sentimental or commercialised and likes to escape to somewhere darker. In Ghosts of Christmas Past, a newly-wed couple spend every Christmas in the same remote country cottage. It's their 'thing' and they're not about to let tragedy get in the way. In I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, a small boy creeps downstairs to see his mother in the embrace of a crimson-robed stranger. But Jake's not convinced: since when did Santa have long teeth and red, glinting eyes? In Rottin' Around the Christmas Tree, Nia decorates the tree while her parents look on. But this is not just another Christmas—it is the time of The Cleansing, the time when family life and the world as we know it are ending. In Christmas 'Midst the Zombie Apocalypse, two survivors sit out winter on the edge of an overrun city. Their efforts to enjoy Christmas Day as normally as possible turn out to be a mistake; a potentially fatal one.

Saving Christmas Breakfast: A standalone, paranormal, dark angel, holiday fantasy short story

Saving Christmas Breakfast: A standalone, paranormal, dark angel, holiday fantasy short story PDF Author: L. S. O'Dea
Publisher: L. S. O'Dea
ISBN: 1942706936
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 58

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Book Description
Enjoy this short holiday fantasy story about a sick boy and an Angel of Death who's sick of his job. Micah hates miracles. They always have a cost, but as an Angel of Death he must grant one every year. It looks like Bobby is going to be the recipient of this twisted miracle. Poor kid. Like dying from leukemia wasn’t enough, now the boy is going to be given a miracle that won’t end with a happily ever after. This stand-alone paranormal short story (6800+words) about crappy miracles and an angel who is sick of his job will make you laugh, cry and hope someone is brave enough to defy the immortals in power.

Christmas After Dark - 36 Holiday Ghost Stories & Supernatural Thrillers

Christmas After Dark - 36 Holiday Ghost Stories & Supernatural Thrillers PDF Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 942

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Book Description
In the evocative collection 'Christmas After Dark - 36 Holiday Ghost Stories & Supernatural Thrillers,' the reader is treated to a remarkable tapestry of the macabre and the mysterious, set against the backdrop of the holiday season. This anthology stands out for its eclectic mix of narratives that weave together the chilling with the festive, showcasing a stunning diversity in literary stylesfrom the gothic to the surreal. The collection reimagines the traditional sentiments of Christmas through a darker lens, highlighting the contrast between the joyous festivities and the eerie quiet of winter nights. The anthology thoughtfully curates stories from a range of time periods, thereby painting a comprehensive picture of the literary evolution of the ghost story genre, with particular attention to its intersection with Christmas traditions. The ensemble of authors featured in the collectionranging from the celebrated minds of Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle to the lesser-known but equally compelling figures like Florence Marryat and Catherine Crowebrings together a rich array of backgrounds, each contributing a unique voice to the chorus of holiday hauntings. These authors, many of whom were pivotal figures in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, collectively embody the diverse cultural and historical contexts from which these stories spring. Their works not only reflect the societal attitudes and anxieties of their times but also contribute to the overarching theme of the anthology by exploring the universal fascination with the supernatural. This anthology is a treasure trove for those keen on exploring the confluence of holiday cheer and the spectral, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in a world where the spirit of Christmas meets the spirit world. 'Christmas After Dark' is an indispensable addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the history and evolution of ghost stories and their unique ability to bridge themes of joy, nostalgia, and terror. It beckons the reader to cozy up by the fire on a cold winter's night and delve into tales that promise to chill the heart and warm the soul in equal measure.

300 Ways to Make the Best Christmas Ever!

300 Ways to Make the Best Christmas Ever! PDF Author: Mimi Tribble
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
ISBN: 9781402716850
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 742

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Book Description
Stories to inspire, crafts to decorate the home, gingerbread houses of all sorts to bake, and drinks to bring cheer to all who come by: these are just some of the ways to make Christmas very, very merry, and more than 500 of them are beautifully collected right here. How will you celebrate? Perhaps the traditional American style seems most appealing: then make a Tole Painted Nativity, whip up some delicious Hot Buttered Rum, and read “The Night Before Christmas” aloud. For a classic Victorian holiday, sing “Deck the Halls,” place a charming Violin and Cherub wreath on the door, and sip some mulled wine. Or choose the Country, Southwestern (a little salsa verde, anyone?), International, or fun-filled Not-Quite-Grown-Up style.