Clement C. Moore s beloved poem about Santa s arrival on Christmas Eve has been illustrated by hundreds of artists since its first publication in 1823. Two collectors of antique children s books have selected a variety of these charming pictures from Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith, Thomas Nast, and other renowned children s illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the images are from versions of the poem, a few are from antique postcards or magazines. Source notes for all the illustrations are included. Santa is dressed differently by each artist, but he is always chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf who brings joy to all good little girls and boys. This attractive edition of The Night Before Christmas will be enjoyed most by collectors of children s books or lovers of things Victorian. Youngsters who are already familiar with the poem will delight in comparing the different old-fashioned Santas and the children of long ago nestled all snug in their beds. A charming holiday gift to leave under the tree on Christmas Eve for anyone who believes in the magic of Santa Claus. (Ages 5 to adult) --Marcie Bovetz