Welcome to the Christmas Carols Appreciation Society's publication page. Explore our unique collection of songbooks and history books,compiled and written by members of the Society.
Begin your journey into the heart of Christmas carols with us.
Nowell and Then is the members’ magazine of the Christmas Carols Appreciation Society, published as a benefit of membership and provided free to all members as part of their annual subscription.
Each issue explores the rich and varied world of Christmas carols, bringing together thoughtful writing on historic repertoire, carol-singing traditions, musical practice, and contemporary developments. Articles range from scholarly reflections and historical discoveries to practical insights for singers, conductors, and composers, alongside features on new carols and the people creating them.
The magazine is shaped by the Society’s community and exists to encourage shared learning and conversation. All members are warmly invited to contribute articles, reviews, reflections, research notes, or reports on carol-singing activities and events, whether formal or informal. First-time contributors are especially welcome and will receive friendly editorial guidance and support throughout the process.
Nowell and Then aims to reflect the living carol tradition itself — rooted in history, open to new voices, and sustained by the knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity of its members.
The magazine is currently issued twice per year - in May and November - although this may be reviewed in the future.
In Light and Life, Andrew Page examines the history of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” tracing its development from Charles Wesley’s original Hymn for Christmas Day of 1739 to the triumphant carol that resounds around the world today.
Andrew Page and Steve Fowle have translated 20 Christmas carols from Polish into English, with the view of bringing these wonderful festive songs to life for non-Polish audiences. Published alongside the original Polish lyrics, and with brief histories of each song, the English words will bring a taste of Polish culture and traditions to those unfamiliar with these festive gems.
A brief history of the famous Christmas carol, examining its origins and the growth of its popularity in the mid 19th century while dispelling a few myths. The book also includes the original German lyrics and multiple English versions of Silent Night.
Pod malowaną tęczą is a nativity play, written in Polish with an English translation, based on the Polish tradition of jasełka. It follows Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem, where they meet the shepherds Kuba, Bartek and Stasiek and are visited by the kindly Oriental magi. Also appearing are a host of angels, King Herod, a sycophantic jester, Satan, a group of demons and Death himself...
The play includes ten carols traditionally sung in Poland, lyrics of which are provided in both Polish and English.
