Product Description

The well-known poem about an important Christmas visitor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3241 in Books
• Published on: 1980-06-19
• Format: Abridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

This Book has given me wonderful childhood memories
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!

Beautifully drawn classic
Ah, the night before Christmas. There are so many versions of this classic but this is one of the most beautiful. Let's face it, everyone knows the story so what makes a book are the illustrations - and these are rich, detailed and capture the "jolly old elf" perfectly.

Its a shame that you only read it at Christmas
A great book for all ages. The story is enchanting and the pictures are nicely illustrated to the words. No matter who you are, this story and book are a must for any collection. It is a shame that it can't be read every week, but then again, it would take the magic out of telling it at Christmas time. The only criticism is that the drawings look a little dark, so don't turn the lights too low otherwise you will not make out the finer details.

Overall, great books at a great price, and highly recommended for children and adults.