The Night Before Christmas Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

New York: Weathervane Books, 1976. Copyright MCMXXVI by Crown Publishers; letter-line at copyright page: "g h." Deep red full cloth boards, stylized gilt spine titles and cover illustration of rascal elf, moderate shelf, corner wear. Heavy stock smooth coated pages, near fine; no writing. Red silhouette holiday patterned endpapers of children and Christmas trees at front, back. Bind fine; hinges intact. Frontispiece color plate of elf returning up the chimney while father looks on with candle. Several additional color plates and original imagery with Rackham's stylish designs and whimsical imps throughout. Scarce pictorial dust wrapper, moderate edge wear, rub; protected in new clear sleeve. Front panel features stylish titles plate: "The Children were Nestled All Snug in their Beds." Back panel feature plate of red hooded Santa Claus: "Filled All the Stockings". A beautifully imagined holiday classic! The father of the family narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Arthur Rackham captures the spirit in vibrant illustrations that reflect this memorable night. Visually he extends this favorite Christmas story for children, who will delight in watching the two mischievous stowaways from the North Pole enthusiastically exploring the sacks of gifts on the roof while St. Nick, unaware, journeys down the chimney... until the toys spill down onto the lawn and he turns with a jerk! Who's that peeking out of the sleigh? As St. Nick and reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky onto the roof of a Victorian house in a snowy New England village, the famous Christmas poem begins. A unique and beautiful edition to be cherished for years to come by all the family, especially the youngest, who find the night before Christmas perhaps the most exciting night of the year. Printed in the United States of America. Insured post.. First Edition Thus. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good. Illus. by Rackham, Arthur. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.