The great American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has long been revered for his classic literary works. His poem Christmas Bells has become one of our most well- known and beloved Christmas carols, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. What is less known is the story behind the poem. Reeling from the tragic death of his wife and the crippling war wounds of his son, Longfellow penned the words to Christmas Bells during one of the darkest times in American history. And while the words reflect his obvious despair and grief, it is the triumphant message of peace on earth, good will to men for which this song and Longfellow s personal story is remembered. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story will touch your heart as it did for thousands of concertgoers who heard it presented by Edward Hermann and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at their annual Christmas concert in 2008. A DVD of that presentation is included in the book.