Posted on 12/24/2018 2:03:28 PM PST by mairdie
The first printing of the poem in the Troy Sentinel of 23 December 1823 shows many of the characteristics of Henry Livingston's poetry - fast writing with near rhymes rather than perfect rhymes and some awkward rhythms. Henry was a sloppy fast poet, as can be seen from the backs of envelopes on which he sometimes composed. Those awkwardnesses were corrected by legions of editors, whose changes Moore took, then added a few of his own. Moore never realized that what he published in his book was so widely edited from the original publication because he took his version from the 1830 Troy Sentinel Broadsheet which was sent to him by the newspaper editor when Moore wrote asking if the man had known who wrote the poem when he published it. The editor said no, and Moore published the poem under his own name in 1844. Vassar Professor Don Foster called that "the coast is clear" letter. Moore's own poetry, while deadly dull and moralistic, was composed perfectly with few near rhymes and usually perfect rhythm.
Those are so very lovely. The happiest of Christmases to you and yours.
This is a great piece of ephemera, I enjoy checking out such old manuscripts.
I post my little bears every Christmas...been doing it for years...
I know that, and I love seeing them every year. You’re part of what has become a tradition for me that I cherish so, please, always keep posting them.
Mary
Ya gotta keep tradition going!
My Christmas tradition is to complain about the weather.
:D
PING
Cool.
What surprised me is that I thought the poem read “Merry Christmas to all” instead of “Happy Christmas” - it’s six of one/half dozen of the other. But I always had it as “Merry” in the poem. Learn sumthin new every day!
Used to collect some ephemera years ago, but sold my stuff when I needed a cash flow. Interesting hobby and makes for excellent gift s for people who love things historical.
But coins and stamps are easier to obtain and maintain as a hobby, so I’m happy.
Thank you, mairdie.
Happy Christmas to all
And to all a good night!
Thanks.
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