The Christmas Peace (ePub)

Thomas Nelson Page (1853-1922) was a distinguished American lawyer and writer, whose work vividly captured the South during the Antebellum and post-Civil War periods. Born in Hanover County, Virginia, to an elite planter family, Page's upbringing amidst the vestiges of the old Southern aristocracy resonated throughout his literary endeavors. He is known for his plantation fiction, a genre that romanticized the pre-Civil War South, and his writing often reflected his Virginian lineage and the Lost Cause ideology. Page's narratives typically blend elements of Southern dialect and nostalgia, as evidenced in one of his holiday-themed books, 'The Christmas Peace' (1897). His other notable works include 'In Ole Virginia' (1887) and 'Marse Chan' (1884), both of which are imbued with his characteristic sentimental portrayal of antebellum life. Page's literary style is characterized by a genteel representation of Confederate soldiers, idealized depictions of Southern society, and a palpable sense of yearning for a bygone era of perceived gallantry and honor. Despite being a product of his time, Page's work has been subject to criticism for perpetuating racial stereotypes and glorifying the Confederate cause. Nevertheless, his contributions to early Southern literature cannot be dismissed, as they offer insight into the cultural and societal values of his generation. Page not only left a mark as a prominent author but also served as the U.S. ambassador to Italy from 1913 to 1919, exemplifying his stature as a public figure.