New Release: "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" by Charles M. Shulz

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION (It Books; Hardcover; on sale October 22, 2013; $19.99) is the behind-the-scenes look at how “A Charlie Brown Christmas” became a Christmas classic in this lushly illustrated hardcover reissue, originally published in 2000.  In this stunning new edition, we learn how this heartwarming story became America’s most popular Christmas TV special of all-time.

In ”A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown disapproves of the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. This message strikes a chord with viewers each year, and the PEANUTS animated special has become a seasonal tradition, airing each December since 1965.   

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION also includes an introduction by the show’s executive producer, Lee Mendelson.  Along with the original animator, the late Bill Melendez, the two men share their personal memories about the Christmas special and Charles M. Schulz. Up until Schulz’s death in February 2000, the three of them worked on 50 PEANUTS network specials and four feature films.  

Since first airing in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has been one of America’s most beloved television shows each year. For nearly 50 years, fans of all ages continue to tune in to the Emmy-winning Christmas special that has earned a permanent place in popular culture. This illustrated tribute to the beloved television classic includes: 

      More than 200 full-color, original animation art

      Vince Guaraldi’s original score and publication notes for “Christmastime is Here” and “Linus and Lucy”

      Interviews with the original child actors who were the voices of the Peanuts gang

      Trivia about the Peanuts gang

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a fitting salute to Charles Schulz, the artist who forever changed the face of cartooning, which also celebrates the award-winning holiday special with warmhearted memories, fascinating trivia, and colorful art that will delight fans of all ages.

ABOUT CHARLES M. SCHULZ

Charles M. Schulz, the most popular cartoonist in the world with strips in 2,600 newspapers, retired in February 2000 and passed away the day of his final farewell Sunday Peanuts strip on February 13th. He lived in Santa Rosa, CA.

 

Purchase A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition here.