Episode 115 - Twas the Night Before an Interview with Author Pamela McColl on the Life and Death of Clement C. Moore
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Opening lines to one of the most well-known and well-loved Christmas poems of all time, but how did they come to be? In this episode Dianne and Jennie have a delightful chat with Pamela McColl author of the newly released book, "Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem". They discuss Moore's Ordinary Extraordinary life as a scholar, loving father, and a man devoted to helping others and Pamela tells of a very special Christmas tradition that has taken place at Clement C. Moore's graveside for more than 100 years. From Dianne, Jennie and the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast crew, "Happy Christmas to all!"
Clement C. Moore spent much of his adult life living in New Port, Rhode Island. Pamela McColl's book "Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem" can be purchased from the following local New Port bookstore:
Charter Books:
https://www.charterbookstore.com/book/9781927979303
Or be sure to check your local bookstores!
You can also purchase the book from Barnes & Nobel:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twas-the-night-pamela-mccoll/1140942646
Or from Amazon: Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem
https://a.co/d/eLZNb9G
Photo of book cover, Clement C. Moore, and Pamela McColl provided by Pamela McColl and shared with permission.
Photo of Clement C. Moore grave provided by: https://audubonparkperspectives.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/0ddc4-ccmooregrave.jpg
Pamela McColl
Author/Historian
Author, historian, and vintage book collector Pamela McColl tours America in 2022 speaking on the poem’s vibrant legacy at dozens of museums, bookstores, and libraries. McColl presents the poem’s story in a new book, Twas The Night – The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem.
The author calls the masterpiece of juvenile fiction the most often read, recited, reprinted, and collected work in the library of English literature and considers the 200th milestone of this warm-hearted poem cause for celebration.
“In compiling the material for Twas The Night – The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem I accessed art collections and combed through archives across America. I made fascinating discoveries including locating the only known to exist photograph of the poet Clement Clarke Moore ( New York 1779-1863) and of the home where the lines were crafted for Christmas Eve 1822.” McColl
“Charles Dickens and Washington Irving may have created Christmas dinner, but it was Moore “The Poet of Christmas Eve” who gave us Santa Claus with all the trimmings.” McColl
“For the very first time, the poem’s own story is presented. It’s a luscious, entertaining tome that took ten years to create. Bravo, author and editor, Pamela McColl! ” David Paul Kirkpatrick, American film producer and writer, former President Paramount Pictures, President Production Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures.
“A delightful and informative exploration of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” for the holiday season.” Kirkus Reviews.
“Whether a library is focused on art, history, …
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