Compiled by Jacobus de Voragine in the second half of the 13th century, The Golden Legend is a cornerstone of Christian literature. Many artists, especially between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, referred to this work when describing sacred history (such as Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel, or Piero della Francesca in the Stories of the true cross in Arezzo). It collects about 150 biographies of Saints, with a series of chapters dedicated to the main festivities of the Christian tradition.

This volume collects the texts that are particularly connected to Christmas – The nativity of Mary, the Nativity of John the Baptist, the Annuntiation, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Holy Innocents, Epiphany – accompanied by illustrations taken from the artistic tradition belonging to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The narration - both in a historical and fairy-tale style, realistic and fantastic - can engage readers of all ages.