Holidays and Other Weird Events (Early Victorian Postcards) by Irwin Richman

Table of Contents

Collector Bookstore Excerpts:

Early postcards, circa 1880s - 1920s, are the topic of this collectors guide. The title, Holidays and Other Weird Events gives readers a hint of the subject matter covered. The author focuses primarily on postcards whose pictures and captions are considered unusual, risque, or which otherwise pushed the envelope of acceptable taste, especially considering the Victorian culture in which they were created. Postcards were sent extensively during this era, especially for holidays. While this reference certainly includes postcards from the major holidays, some of the most fascinating postcards are from the lesser holidays, such as St. Patricks Day, Valentine's Day and holidays with patriotic themes, featuring martyred Presidents (Lincoln), the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) and others.

Publishers Description:

Explore America's best-loved "no work" days through 380 beautiful and fun postcard images from the early 20th century. They portray specific animals, children, flowers, and symbols that have come to identify each holiday, and some pretty "weird" events as well. Fascinating histories of each holiday are included, and what diverse backgrounds they have!

For an appreciation of the weirdness of holiday recognitions, think of the images of a kid in a diaper kicking out an old bearded man, turkeys dancing, chickens nodding to rabbits, and strange men dropping down chimneys to make children happy. The weird is integral to American holidays. All who celebrate them as well as artists, decorators, and postcard collectors will enjoy this book for the graphic styles it contains. Historians will marvel at the reasons these holidays are celebrated today.