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. For all of this, however, Moore's life would merit little more than a footnote in New York's history — except for one thing. He was a poet. Most of his work,...