BRIGHT AND COLORFUL 1958 EDITION OF THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, ILLUSTRATED BY FLORENCE SARAH WINSHIP

[MOORE, Clement C.] WINSHIP, Florence Sarah, illustrator. Night Before Christmas. Racine, Wisconsin: Whitman, 1958. Slim folio (7-1/2 by 16 inches), staple-bound as issued, original die-cut paper wrappers with velvet texturing to Santa's suit; pp. [12]. $300.

Lovely 1958 edition of this Christmas classic, illustrated by beloved American children's illustrator Florence Sarah Winship, with wrappers die-cut in the shape of Santa Claus with his hat velvet-textured.

"When Clement Clarke Moore wrote his poem," first published in 1823, "he gave American children their own St. Nicholas," and generations of American illustrators have been drawing the kindly, magical gift-giver ever since. In the 20th century, the "glories of quick and easy, often inexpensive color printing" gave rise to myriad illustrated editions of the season's most famous poem (Nancy H. Marshall). This post-World War II edition in elaborate die-cut wrappers features vivid illustrations by Florence Sarah Winship—a talented and prolific children's illustrator. Marshall 420.

A few spots of soiling to interior and unobtrusive creasing to wrappers. Marginal chipping at foot of final few leaves with tape repair, not affecting text. Ownership signature on back wrapper and a bit of wear and toning to flocked Santa hat. An extremely good copy.