One of the most enduring and universal Christmas traditions is the creche, or the Nativity scene: a representation of the story of Christ's birth. This beautiful book reveals the worldwide appeal and custom of the creche and the diversity of creative expression displayed in this art form. Creche artists featured include a third-generation American firefighter devoted to preserving the Spanish Colonial santos tradition; a woman who served in the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands; Cambodian landmine victims who helped carve a nativity with Khmer features; and a carver from New Zealand whose work is based on Maori traditions. This book contains more than 100 creches (Nativity scenes) from over 70 countries reflect indigenous cultures from around the world. It is a wonderfully designed album, completed by an insightful text. It will appeal to anyone interested in collectables, folk art, cultural traditions and especially to those seeking the perfect Christmas gift book.