"An irresistible, nostalgic, and insightful--and totally original--ramble through classic children's literature from Vanity Fair contributing editor (and father) Bruce Handy. In 1690, the dour New England Primer, thought to be the first American children's book, was published in Boston. Offering children gems of advice such as "Strive to learn" and "Be not a dunce," it was no fun at all. So how did we get from there to "Let the wild rumpus start"?...

"This book is a rare look at Lynn's handwritten lyrics and memorabilia, personal photographs, and anecdotes that give deeper insights into her childhood in Butcher Holler, Kentucky; her marriage and relationship with Doolittle Lynn; her experience as a mother; her meteoric rise to the top of the charts; [and more]."--Front jacket flap.

Recounts how, in 1818, Franz Gruber, the church organist in a small town in Austria, wrote the music to "Silent Night" to accompany a poem by Father Joseph Mohr, so that there would be music for the Christmas Eve mass.