Night Before Christmas

Clement C. Moore's beloved poem about Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve has been illustrated by hundreds of artists since its first publication in 1823. Two collectors of antique children's books have selected a variety of these charming pictures from Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith, Thomas Nast, and other renowned children's illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the images are from versions of the poem; a few are from antique postcards or magazines. Source notes for all the illustrations are included. Santa is dressed differently by each artist, but he is always "chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf" who brings joy to all good little girls and boys. This attractive edition of The Night Before Christmas will be enjoyed most by collectors of children's books or lovers of things Victorian. Youngsters who are already familiar with the poem will delight in comparing the different old-fashioned Santas and the children of long ago "nestled all snug in their beds." A charming holiday gift to leave under the tree on Christmas Eve for anyone who believes in the magic of Santa Claus. (Ages 5 to adult) --Marcie Bovetz

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View books by Clement C. Moore.

Christmas wouldn't be the same without this book - Rated
For as far back as I can remember this book was read to us on Christmas eve, I went to bed with images of the book swimming in my head, even now thinking about the story brings a happy tear to my eye as to me it embodies all the innocence and excitement of Christmas when I was a child. I still have the copy of the book with my name written proudly inside although it is a little battered but I take it out every Christmas eve and read it to myself. I have just purchased a new one so when I have children they to can enjoy this Christmas tradition and wonderful story with magical illustrations.

Hooray for the Christmas Corgi! - Rated
Tasha Tudor's gentle illustrations breathe new life and fresh fun into this delightful, timeless rhymed classic. The children, adults and the pets alike participate in the joy of Christmas; the corgi the children dance with is especially delightful. The little corgi has an almost knowing expression in her eyes; she appears to be caught up into the wonder of the holiday season. The corgi, with her playful demeanor is the most appealing character.

This timeless classic will be read with delight time and again. The holiday spirit is something to be shared year-round, and this delightful presentation of the classic will certainly be welcomed.

This Book has given me wonderful childhood memories - Rated
Christmas Eve was always celebrated the same way in our house when we were children, we'd put on our pyjama's and snuggle down in Mum and Dad's bed and then Mum would read us 'The Night Before Christmas' with illustrations by D. Gorsline, (the best illustrated version by far). Clement Moores words are captivating and easy to read along with (especially the reindeer's names!) and the pictures are second to none. Even now my Mother reminds us of how we would shout 'Read it again!!!' after the 2nd or 3rd time she had read it to us. Gorslines' illustrations of Father Christmas are wonderful, just as you would imagine him. If you are looking for a book that your children will treasure and look back on with such fond memories in years to come, then this is it!