Lot 5352: MOORE, CLEMENT CLARKE.

"'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS..."
Poems. New York: Barlett & Welford, 1844. xii, [13]-216 pp. Half-title. 8vo (185 x 120 mm). Original brown boards, uncut, morocco-backed slipcase. Very occasional light spotting, lightly rubbed, rebacked to match.

First edition, presentation copy inscribed to "The Rev. C.S. Henry. With the respects of the author. March 1846." The first collection of Moore's poems to include 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'—his celebrated poem more popularly known by its first line, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' In the introduction, Moore addresses his children, and asks them to "look upon [this book] as a token of the affection of your father." BAL 14348; Grolier American 52.
Provenance: Rev. C.S. Henry (presentation inscription); Frank J. Hogan (bookplate; sold Parke-Bernet, New York, April 24, 1945, lot 499); Estelle Doheny (morocco bookplate).
See illustration.