Night before Christmas: A Descriptive Bibliography of Clement Clarke Moore's Immortal Poem Book

This is the first comprehensive and definitive work ever undertaken to document the publication history of this most famous work in all of Christmas literature. Written 180 years ago by a noted theologian and biblical scholar, there are few who do not know Moore's tale of the mysterious Christmas Eve visitor.

With 1,000 entries, each of which includes bibliographic and physical description, this book takes the reader on a bibliographic journey from the first publication of the poem in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel (New York) through the year 2000.

Nancy H. Marshall, long-time dedicated collector, brings her in-depth knowledge of Moore and the poem's publication history, as well as her bibliographic skills as a librarian, to bear in this scholarly endeavor.

Seven detailed indexes, an historical essay describing the St. Nicholas legend, Clement Moore, and the origin of the poem, with 144 beautiful color and 80 black and white illustrations (not usually found in bibliographies), make this an essential reference tool for collectors of Christmas memorabilia, librarians, curators, booksellers, antique dealers - indeed all who are enchanted by the yearly visit from St. Nicholas.