First Separate Printing of the ‘Night Before Christmas’
Christmas Carol. The Visit of St. Nicholas.
Philadelphia: John M. Wolff, 1842.
Full Description:
MOORE, Clement C. Christmas Carol. The Visit of St. Nicholas. Philadelphia: John M. Wolff, [1842].
Broadside (16 1/8 x 9 3/4 in.; 410 x 248 mm), text printed in blue, red border of ivy entwined about a stylized interlocking branches within a blue double-ruled border; sides and top margin a bit chipped. Red morocco portfolio lined in green moiré, upper cover lettered gilt. A very rare and wonderful item.
The first separate printing of "The Night Before Christmas" crediting Moore as the author. The only known previous separate printing is cited as one by Myron King, a broadside printed in Troy, New York, about 1830, but this was unlocated by BAL, citing only a catalogue entry (thus possibly a ghost). Wollf's broadside was issued as a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" greeting.
HBS 69663.
$10,000.
Price: $10,000.00
Item #69663