Moore, Clement C. “The Night Before Christmas” [John C. Winston, 1883] Illustrated

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas.

Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Co., 1883. Illustrated edition, with illustrations by William T. Smedley, Frederic B. Schell, Alfred Fredericks, and Henry R. Poore. Publisher's illustrated cream-colored boards with dark blue cloth spine, featuring an elaborate holly and ribbon design in red, green, and gilt. Illustrated throughout in black and white. Moderate soiling and discoloration to boards, with rubbing and wear to corners and extremities. Interior pages show light age toning. Very Good.

Originally published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in 1823 under the title A Visit from St. Nicholas, Moore's poem helped establish the modern American image of Santa Claus, including his Christmas Eve visit, flying sleigh, and eight reindeer. This illustrated edition features work by four nineteenth-century American artists, with detailed engravings depicting the familiar Christmas narrative.