Good King Wenceslas

Books

Autobiography of Emperor Charles IV: And His Legend of St. Wenceslas edited by Balazs Nagy, translated by Frank Schaer and Paul W. Knoll. Includes the first English translation of the Legend of Saint Wenceslas, written by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV of Luxemburg. Contains both the Latin narrative sources and a complete English-language translation.

Good King Wenceslas by Jan Rejzl. Tells the story of Bohemia's early history, Wenceslas's life, and what happened after Wenceslas died. Sometimes available at Alibris.

Fiction

Good King Wenceslas by Jane Seymour, illustrated by Omar Rayyan. The original lyrics to the song are interwoven through the story as the king and his faithful page venture out to deliver food and comfort to a peasant family. Includes a DVD of author/actress Jane Seymour narrating the story.

More Books About the History of the Czech Lands

Children's Books

Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale and Tim Ladwig. An illustrated picture book based on the popular Christmas carol.

Wenceslas: The Eternal Christmas Story by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Christian Birmingham. The carol of Good King Wenceslas, who set out on a bitter winter night to deliver the spirit of Christmas, is retold in this storybook, illustrated in rich, soft oil pastels. For children ages 4 to 8.

Good King Wenceslas illustrated by Pauline Baynes. Picture book for children ages 4 to 8.

A Song for Young King Wenceslas by Cecil Maiden. Fiction for children. Out of print, but available at Alibris.

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Music

Use the link below to search for Christmas carol CDs that include "Good King Wenceslas."

Search for "Good King Wenceslas" at Amazon.com

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On DVD

Good King Wenceslas. The story of Wenceslas's life is retold in a 1994 cartoon. Intended for a family audience. Bing Crosby sings the title song. (This video is formatted for North American audiences.)