A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS

NY POST ^ | December 24, 2003 | EDITORIAL

[Liz]

Clement Clark Moore was born in New York City in 1779 and, long before his death 84 years later, established a reputation as a scholar.

Stern, even rigid, Moore concentrated in the study of languages (a Hebrew lexicon he compiled was long considered a standard) and was a noted lecturer and writer. A religious man, and one of means, he generously supported theological education - even endowing a seminary.

[Howlin]

JustAmy has another version:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1045917/posts?page=2#2

[Jemian]

I love this poem. I hope I never grow out of it.

[q_an_a]

There was a PBS "history detective show" that tracked this work to another man, don't know the name, who Mr. Moore copied in another work. This person was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and gave the oath of office to Washington. The original author knew German for which the reindeer's names are derived and Mr. Moore had no such knowledge. The list went on and on.

[Oztrich Boy]

There was a PBS "history detective show" that tracked this work to another man,

Major Henry Livingston

The matter is confused by the fact there were two Santa Claus poems in the 1820s.
The probable Moore Old Santeclaus (1821) and A Visit from St Nicholas (1823).

The latter was more popular than the mean-spirited Old Santeclaus and with Livingstone dead c.1830, the authorship was assigned by rumour to the more prominent Moore.
Moore chose not to dispute this and later included VFSN in a book of Christmas poetry without actually claimng he wrote it.

[Oztrich Boy]

Yet another Moore From Saint Nicholas showing a similarity of theme to Old Santeclaus and unlike The Night Before Christmas

[JustAmy]

Good Morning, Howlin

Thank you. I wish I new who wrote the version that I posted at Amy's Place. I've looked for it again but have not been able to find it.

[Liz]

Thanks....great thread.

[q_an_a]

thank you for your enlightened links and post. Merry Christmas to you and yours.