when was rudolph the red-nosed

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer first appeared in the 1939 book "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Robert L. May. The story was based on the idea that reindeer with red noses were considered outcasts and could not fly in formation with the rest of Santa's reindeer team. The book was a hit with children and quickly became a Christmas classic. The story of Rudolph's journey from outcast to hero has become a beloved Christmas tale for generations.