author
William Sandys
1792–1874
Best remembered for helping preserve the sound and spirit of Christmas in print, this English antiquary gathered old carols and seasonal traditions that might otherwise have faded away. His books still matter to readers interested in folklore, music, and the history of holiday customs.
1 Audiobook
Christmastide: Its History, Festivities, and Carols
by William Sandys
About the author
Born in London in 1792, William Sandys was an English solicitor and antiquary with a lasting interest in older songs, customs, and popular traditions. He was educated at Westminster School and later became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, combining professional legal work with wide-ranging historical and literary interests.
He is chiefly remembered for Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833), an influential collection that helped preserve traditional English carols. He also wrote Christmastide: Its History, Festivities, and Carols, bringing together folklore, social history, and music in a way that made seasonal traditions accessible to ordinary readers.
Sandys died in 1874, but his work continues to be associated with the revival and preservation of Christmas customs in Britain. For audiobook listeners, he stands out as a patient collector of the past: someone who turned old festive material into books that still feel warm, curious, and full of character.