Frivilous or Classic?

Certainly Much Loved and Well Known

Everyone knows the beloved poem that begins with "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

But did you know who wrote this and when? Do you know the rest of the story?

This very famous peom was written by Clement C. Moore on Christmas Eve in 1822. I just found out his great-great-niece lives near me. This poem is still very popular even tho it's nearing the second century mark. It's definitely a classic.

Moore was 43 when he wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas." It was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in 1823. Yet it wasn't until he was 65 in 1844 that he first acknowledged that he was the author of this now very famous poem, He had it published in a small book of his poetry entitled "Poems." This book of poetry was published at the request of his children.

For the most part this poem embarrased him. Surprised? You may ask why as I did. For the most part of his life his scholary works were overshadowed by what he publicly considered a frivolous poem about a fictional Christmas character. He was actually a biblical scholar and professor of Asian and Greek literature at the Episcopal General Theological Seminary erected in NYC on land he had donated. He's also known for his work " A Compendious Lexiocon of the Hebrew Language Vol. 1 & ll."

Now he will forever be remembered y many as the person who truly kept St. Nicholas alive to the world. And now you know the rest of the story........


"But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
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Reply #1 Top
For the most part of his life his scholarly works were overshadowed by what he publicly considered a frivolous poem about a fictional Christmas character.


Unfortunately we can't choose what we're known for.

It's probably for the best.

Reply #2 Top
Unfortunately we can't choose what we're known for.
End of quote


Yeah, a one hit wonder's better than a no hit wonder.

Arlo Guthrie once said (and I paraphrase):

"If they're only going to play one song of mine on the radio one day a year, it might as well be my longest song."

(referring to "Alice's Restaurant, and Thanksgiving, of course).
Reply #3 Top
Yeah, a one hit wonder's better than a no hit wonder.


Exactly.

To tell you the truth, I don't like being known for being funny. But I'm stuck with it.
Reply #4 Top
To tell you the truth, I don't like being known for being funny.
End of quote


And, honestly, I did not set out to be a political blogger. It just kind of happened.

(BTW, you'll need to get my updated email addy before Jan. 4! I'll try to email you and give you the info.)
Reply #5 Top
Unfortunately we can't choose what we're known for.


hmmmm this is true. Unless you're the A-type who gets his tombstone done ahead of time just to be sure he gets on it what he wants.

It's probably for the best.


ya, 50 years after you die, nobody's really going to remember you anyway.......unless you're Elvis or Marilyn, that is.

Reply #6 Top
Unless you're the A-type who gets his tombstone done ahead of time just to be sure he gets on it what he wants.


Then he'll be known as "That guy who lied even from the grave!"


Nah, you just can't control what people are going to think.