Santa Claus: A Biography

Bowler's wit and dry sense of humour make this a pretty fun book. Santa's history is traced from his origins as the Roman bishop St. Nicholas through his various medieval forms into his present shape as the fat, red-suited Christmas icon. In addition, Bowler traces the histories of some of Santa's counterparts, such as Kriss Kringle, Belsnickle and so on, who have influenced our modern view of Santa. I have two comments that may be construed as praise or criticism. Bowler often seems unwilling to draw explicit conclusions; evidence is presented, then a suggestion made with no clear cause and effect inference. Perhaps the author wants you to think for yourself and draw your own conclusion - always a good thing in popular histories - or any history for that matter. However, it has two unwanted effects: it leaves the reader with a sense of confusion, as though they missed something; and it makes Bowler's arguments seem weak, as though even he is not entirely sure. The other criticism is that Bowler has left out of the book virtually no song, movie or poem that mentions Santa Claus. While this is a commendable feat, it sometimes makes for dry reading. The chapter entitled 'Santa at the Movies (and in the Jukebox Too)' is essentially a list of Santa movies and songs with little actual historical commentary on any of them. Regardless of these criticisms the book is still a lot of fun and a pleasure to read.

Gives Merry Christmas a new meaning. The evolution and combining of religious and pagan customs that produced this jolly old elf are an enlightening rebirth for Santa.

From Santa's origins, through his evolution across the ages to his existence today - it's all here. This book has got to contain everything that anyone would ever want to know about Santa Claus: his "birth"; his depiction in different countries in different times; his "activities" during wars; his appearance in various ads, in movies, in literature and in song; as well as his perception by children and their parents alike. This is a wonderfully charming book. It is well written and although it is a serious biography, it is peppered with occasional humor as well as descriptions of heart-warming incidents. I recommend this book to everyone: those interested in history and culture, those who would like to believe again and those who still do.