The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated Edition) (ePub)

Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) was an American writer and professor of Oriental and Greek Literature, as well as Divinity and Biblical Learning, at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in New York City. Known particularly for his yuletide poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas', which later became famous as 'The Night Before Christmas' (Illustrated Edition), Moore's contribution to the canon of Christmas literature has been significant. The poem was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in 1823 and has since been attributed to Moore after being included in an anthology of his works in 1844, despite some controversy over its authorship. Moore's enchanting and whimsical depiction of St. Nicholas and his sleigh pulled by reindeer has become an integral part of the Christmas tradition, shaping the modern America's vision of Santa Claus. His lyrical writing style, characterized by smooth anapestic tetrameter, has charmed generations of readers and continues to be a centerpiece in festive celebrations. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Moore's academic influence and contributions to the fields of literature and theology were considerable during his lifetime. Yet, it is his vision of a magical Christmas Eve that has left an indelible mark, ensuring his legacy within the annals of holiday literature.