The Night Before Christmas

5RR Arthur Rackham, Clement C. Moore, Harrap 1931. Inscribed with a drawing for his daughter.

Notes

Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) was a renowned British illustrator known for his distinctive, ethereal style, which blended intricate line work with soft watercolor washes. His illustrations brought many classic stories to life, including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, and Grimms Fairy Tales.

Rackham illustrated The Night Before Christmas (Clement Clarke Moores famous 1823 poem) in a 1931 edition. His artwork added a rich, whimsical quality to the beloved holiday tale, capturing the magic and nostalgia of Santa Clause’s visit. This edition is notable for its detailed and atmospheric illustrations, with Rackham's signature muted color palette and intricate, expressive figures. It remains one of the most cherished illustrated versions of the poem, reflecting Rackham's mastery in bringing folklore and fantasy to life.

The inscription in this copy is for Barbra Rackham, Arthur’s and Edith’s only child. Her father enjoyed helping her develop her knowledge of books by reading aloud to her as a child. Writing in The Junior Book of Authors he made clear his belief in the importance of exposing children to fine literature and illustration saying, “I firmly believe in the greatest stimulating and educative poetry of imaginative, fantastic, and playful pictures and writings for children in their most impressionable years…”

Description 

First Rackham edition. Original pictorial wrappers over card, illustrated in red, gree, and purple with matching design on the dust wrapper. Inscribed by Rackham for his daughter with a sketch drawing of Father Christmas, “Barbara Mary Rackham from her father 1931” Endpapers illustrated with red silhouette drawings. Four superb illustrations throughout. A near fine copy with dust wrapper in excellent condition as well with a couple of short closed tears to the extremities.