8vo. Title printed in red and black, 4 color-printed plates and numerous illustrations by Rackham. (A few tiny spots.) Original limp vellum gilt, top edge gilt, others uncut (a touch of soiling); original board slipcase (some wear with repairs). Provenance: Meredith Wood Eugene (gift inscription from John Barry Ryan, 1934).

LIMITED EDITION, ENGLISH ISSUE, number 81 of 275 copies for sale in England of a total edition of 550 copies, SIGNED BY RACKHAM, IN THE RARE ORIGINAL SLIPCASE. Moore's descriptions in this Yuletide poem shifted American views of Santa Claus, turning away from describing the previous lanky disciplinarian and towards a rosy-cheeked cheerful character; Rackham's illustrations for this edition further emphasized Santa's good-natured gift-giving to children. Latimore & Haskell, p. 66; Riall, p. 174.