"Lushly textured pencil drawings capture the mystery, surprise, and anticipation of . . . the most magical night of the year." — Publishers Weekly
Once upon a time, children imagined St. Nicholas as a stern, skinny bishop who was as likely to dole out discipline as Christmas presents. But thanks to the anonymous publication of the poem "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" in the Troy Sentinal in 1823, a plumper, merrier St. Nick was born, transformed into the sleigh-riding, chimney-diving, jolly old elf we now call Santa Claus. Complemented by gorgeous monochrome illustrations that are meticulously true to pre-Victorian times, this definitive volume of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, honoring the poem's original language, is available in a compact gift edition.
This is amazing. When I saw this one the list of recommended reads for the Memoria Press Third Grade, I thought surely it is not necessary as I already have two other versions by other illustrations, more whimsical than this black and white. But then when I got it out at the library, boy did I discover a treasure. I will have to look for this one to buy. The first page has a little historical note about the original presentation of the Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, now known to us as The Night Before Christmas. This is fabulous. The pictures are enchanting and almost pure magic. Even in black and white they are truly fascinating on their own especially with the kept tradition of the original wording, and original spelling. I'm enchanted and now know why this was the edition and version chosen. My library has a great condition copy, but I think we'll have to own this one.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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11 September, 2012:
Finished reading
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11 September, 2012:
Reviewed