'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Early Santa History Plus Rare 1821 Children's Friend with Old Santeclaus - Hardcover

Complete Santa Claus History with Rare 1821 Children's Friend

This hardcover keepsake combines a comprehensive early history of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus with the exceptionally rare 1821 Old Santeclaus with Much Delight poem. Only two known copies of this historic work exist - considered the first colored lithographed Christmas book in America and the first to introduce Santa Claus with a flying reindeer.

Historical Documentation and Research

The book presents a clear, footnoted history of how St. Nicholas transformed into the Santa Claus we know today. Full-color historical images trace Santa's evolution through key contributions from Washington Irving, John Pintard, James K. Paulding, and Clement Clarke Moore. Includes Thomas Nast's influential Santa illustrations from Harper's magazine and Moore's handwritten changes to reindeer names.

Inside This Collection

Part I: Early History of Santa and His Reindeer

• Saint Nicholas legend's journey to America
• First documented mention of Santa Claus
• Washington Irving's introduction of stockings and presents
• John Pintard's early Santa artwork
• Evolution from flying wagon to sleigh with eight reindeer
• First Santa and reindeer appearance in newsprint
• Original Dunder and Blixem reindeer name changes
• First Harper's magazine Santa feature

Part II: Rare 1821 Children's Friend

Complete reproduction of the 1821 Old Santeclaus with Much Delight poem, featuring the first illustration of Santa and reindeer. This eight-verse poem established many Santa traditions still recognized today.

Additional Content:

• Two rare poems: A Paraphrase of the Dutch Hymn to Saint Nicholas and St. Nicholas, Good Holy Man
• Complete bibliography and footnotes for further research
• Historical context for 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

This documented collection serves as an essential reference for understanding Santa Claus origins and the cultural history behind America's most beloved Christmas traditions.