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A Connecticut Christmas

Christmas is an amalgam of old and new, pagan and Christian, sacred and profane—all blended together to create traditions that seem venerable even as they evolve and change.

Now, veteran photographer Caryn Davis has captured this cultural mélange in a beautifully presented book, A Connecticut Christmas: Celebrating the Holiday in Classic New England Style (Globe Pequot Press, $26).

The book was two years in the making as the photographer visited 40 Connecticut towns to record their local celebrations. Davis, who specializes in architectural photography, is equally attracted to the way people live. She says she is fascinated by what the spaces people occupy say about a culture or individual.

In A Connecticut Christmas, she takes a sentimental look at classic New England traditions, from light displays to decorated churches and inns, spectacular private homes, festivals, carolers, town greens and picturesque villages. Along the way she records such things as the 18th-century crèche at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem and the sunset that suffused the center of Christmas-bedecked Litchfield.

Her evocative photos are accompanied by the text written by Eric D. Lehman, who teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Bridgeport.

Davis, who began her career in the visual arts 30 years ago as a cameraperson, editor, and producer of documentaries, will sign copies of her book Saturday, December 2, at 2PM at the Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington, an event that is free and open to the public.

Those unable to attend, may reserve a signed copy by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at 860-868-0525. For further information e-mail books@hickorystickbookshop.com or click on the link below.

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