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169 reviews for:
The Autobiography of Santa Claus: A Revised Edition of the Christmas Classic
Jeff Guinn
3.62 AVERAGE
169 reviews for:
The Autobiography of Santa Claus: A Revised Edition of the Christmas Classic
Jeff Guinn
3.62 AVERAGE
"This enchanting holiday treasure combines historical fact with glorious legend as Saint Nicholas himself reveals the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered...you're right to believe in him!" That is from the front bookflap of the book. This book was definitely enchanting. Enchanting, amusing, heartwarming...it covers the story of Nicholas beginning with his childhood and how he discovers how good it is to give gifts to children that need cheering up. It covers how stories started making him out to be a magical being who made miracles happen. Nicholas encounters many historical figures in his long, long, long life, but I don't want to spoil the story for you. Suffice it to say that as I read I wondered, "who will he meet next?" I'm putting this book in my library to pull out and read every Christmas. I can't wait to get the other books in the Christmas Chronicles. Jeff Guinn is a great storyteller. This is a book you could read aloud to a child yet it was very interesting to me as an adult. I recommend it highly.
You can’t help but smile with this one. It’s not literary genius, but it doesn’t have to be. Combining the magic of modern Christmas traditions and explaining the many different sources throughout history that they come from, this book is just wonderful. Historical fiction at its best.
I really love this book. I think it's about 98% perfect. As a Christmas nut, and, even more specifically, a Santa Claus nut, I really appreciate all the actual history involved.
The troubles, for me, begin to arise when Santa, his friend Felix and his wife Layla meet Attila the Hun. From that point out, Santa and company go on meeting legendary historical figures and inviting them into the fold, thereby making them immortals. While I actually like the idea of Santa crossing paths with historical figures, I'm not fond of the fact that they become his helpers.
Highlights include the accurate historical depictions of the evolution of Christmas and the growth of the legend of Santa Claus from his humble beginnings as Nicolas of Myra into the figure we know him as today. Along the way he encounters some of the greatest people who ever lived and witnesses the growth of the world.
The downside, as I said before, is the choice of the author to make these actual historical figures Santa's helpers. Rather than elves, Santa's helpers include Attila the Hun, Leonardo DaVinci, King Arthur, Saint Francis of Assisi, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. I would much prefer elves.
Another downside is the choice to sideline some of the more well known aspects of the Santa Claus myth for more believable explanations, like Santa leaving presents in stockings drying by the fire to give the illusion of his having come down the chimney rather than actually using the chimney. Or having his helpers scour different parts of the globe delivering presents dressed as him rather than him doing it all himself in one night. Magic IS included in this book (Santa and his companions never age and can travel at wonderful speeds) but not to the extent I would have preferred.
Still, I would highly recommend this book, because the downsides certainly do not outweigh the amazing, well written tale this book tells. This is a must read for me every Christmas season.
The troubles, for me, begin to arise when Santa, his friend Felix and his wife Layla meet Attila the Hun. From that point out, Santa and company go on meeting legendary historical figures and inviting them into the fold, thereby making them immortals. While I actually like the idea of Santa crossing paths with historical figures, I'm not fond of the fact that they become his helpers.
Highlights include the accurate historical depictions of the evolution of Christmas and the growth of the legend of Santa Claus from his humble beginnings as Nicolas of Myra into the figure we know him as today. Along the way he encounters some of the greatest people who ever lived and witnesses the growth of the world.
The downside, as I said before, is the choice of the author to make these actual historical figures Santa's helpers. Rather than elves, Santa's helpers include Attila the Hun, Leonardo DaVinci, King Arthur, Saint Francis of Assisi, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. I would much prefer elves.
Another downside is the choice to sideline some of the more well known aspects of the Santa Claus myth for more believable explanations, like Santa leaving presents in stockings drying by the fire to give the illusion of his having come down the chimney rather than actually using the chimney. Or having his helpers scour different parts of the globe delivering presents dressed as him rather than him doing it all himself in one night. Magic IS included in this book (Santa and his companions never age and can travel at wonderful speeds) but not to the extent I would have preferred.
Still, I would highly recommend this book, because the downsides certainly do not outweigh the amazing, well written tale this book tells. This is a must read for me every Christmas season.
I really love this book. I think it's about 98% perfect. As a Christmas nut, and, even more specifically, a Santa Claus nut, I really appreciate all the actual history involved.
The troubles, for me, begin to arise when Santa, his friend Felix and his wife Layla meet Attila the Hun. From that point out, Santa and company go on meeting legendary historical figures and inviting them into the fold, thereby making them immortals. While I actually like the idea of Santa crossing paths with historical figures, I'm not fond of the fact that they become his helpers.
Highlights include the accurate historical depictions of the evolution of Christmas and the growth of the legend of Santa Claus from his humble beginnings as Nicolas of Myra into the figure we know him as today. Along the way he encounters some of the greatest people who ever lived and witnesses the growth of the world.
The downside, as I said before, is the choice of the author to make these actual historical figures Santa's helpers. Rather than elves, Santa's helpers include Attila the Hun, Leonardo DaVinci, King Arthur, Saint Francis of Assisi, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. I would much prefer elves.
Another downside is the choice to sideline some of the more well known aspects of the Santa Claus myth for more believable explanations, like Santa leaving presents in stockings drying by the fire to give the illusion of his having come down the chimney rather than actually using the chimney. Or having his helpers scour different parts of the globe delivering presents dressed as him rather than him doing it all himself in one night. Magic IS included in this book (Santa and his companions never age and can travel at wonderful speeds) but not to the extent I would have preferred.
Still, I would highly recommend this book, because the downsides certainly do not outweigh the amazing, well written tale this book tells. This is a must read for me every Christmas season.
The troubles, for me, begin to arise when Santa, his friend Felix and his wife Layla meet Attila the Hun. From that point out, Santa and company go on meeting legendary historical figures and inviting them into the fold, thereby making them immortals. While I actually like the idea of Santa crossing paths with historical figures, I'm not fond of the fact that they become his helpers.
Highlights include the accurate historical depictions of the evolution of Christmas and the growth of the legend of Santa Claus from his humble beginnings as Nicolas of Myra into the figure we know him as today. Along the way he encounters some of the greatest people who ever lived and witnesses the growth of the world.
The downside, as I said before, is the choice of the author to make these actual historical figures Santa's helpers. Rather than elves, Santa's helpers include Attila the Hun, Leonardo DaVinci, King Arthur, Saint Francis of Assisi, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. I would much prefer elves.
Another downside is the choice to sideline some of the more well known aspects of the Santa Claus myth for more believable explanations, like Santa leaving presents in stockings drying by the fire to give the illusion of his having come down the chimney rather than actually using the chimney. Or having his helpers scour different parts of the globe delivering presents dressed as him rather than him doing it all himself in one night. Magic IS included in this book (Santa and his companions never age and can travel at wonderful speeds) but not to the extent I would have preferred.
Still, I would highly recommend this book, because the downsides certainly do not outweigh the amazing, well written tale this book tells. This is a must read for me every Christmas season.
Another sensational holiday re-read!
During the holiday season, I turned to the gifted biography writer, Jeff Guinn, to open my mind to what must have been one of his most entertaining projects. Christmas tends to be a time of giving and there are many who find Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nicholas to be a key player in promoting this amongst the youngest part of the population.
As Guinn reveals in the introduction, he was tasked with writing the autobiography of the man in red and provides a stunning piece for fans of all ages to enjoy. Born in what is now a region of Turkey in 280, Nicholas was always a very loving child. His parents doted on him before their death, when Nicholas was sent to live with the monks. While there, Nicholas discovered the art of secretly gifting to others who were less fortunate, a theme in his life for centuries to come. While things did not always go his way, Nicholas soon grew to become a priest and bishop, never forgetting those in need.
It was at this time, when Nicholas attained the age of 60 or so, that he discovered his power to never age. He did, however, disappear from public sight and those within the community eventually were said to have found him dead in his bed, thereafter burying him and paying homage. Still, Nicholas lived and provided wonderful gifts to those who least expected it. Nicholas soon met a few important members of his team that would help him deliver gifts: Felix (a man who was a slave, but shared Nicholas’ passion for giving) and Layla (another secret gifter, who became a romantic interest). They would soon gain the same magical ability to live forever and work with Nicholas as he travelled around and provided gifts for children in need.
Nicholas was eventually sainted, though he never let this get to his head, worrying more about how his power to help was stymied whenever they entered a war-torn area. Coming across many people to help as the world evolved and population growth continued, Nicholas soon honed his gift giving to a time between his name day (December 6th) and the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th).
As time progressed, St. Nicholas became better known in Europe and served to bring joy to the lives of little ones, but with the discovery of the New World came Puritans who sought to rid the region of any celebratory connection to Christmas and Nicholas himself. It was at this time that Britain faced their own internal struggles and Christmas was all but wiped off the map. Diligently, St. Nicholas worked with his team to inject a new love of the holiday season.
In what seems like a rush through the ages, the newly nicknamed Santa Claus tells how he acquired the name and what new people he met along the way that helped to shape the modern idea that many have about him, from his use of chimneys to flying reindeer and even tie-ins to many songs depicting his jolly nature.
The latter portion of the book finds Santa settling in the North Pole to work and live permanently, an interesting tale all its own. How a man could have left an impact on children for close to 1800 years astounds me, but it is all here in this sensational autobiography that Jeff Guinn helped pen. Masterful in its detail and ties to historical events, this is sure to become a book readers return to regularly to spark a new light in their holiday traditions. Recommended for the lover of history, as well as those who enjoy learning a little more about the Christmas that one cannot find on the store shelves.
I have always been in awe when reading anything Jeff Guinn writes and this piece was no exception. While I have been aware of some facts about Nicholas throughout his life, I had no idea about the majority of the information depicted here, nor how it all tied together. Guinn’s extensive research and, perhaps (?), some writing freedoms allows the reader to get lost in the story of how this man went from orphan at nine to being a central part of the Christmas tradition, accepted by those who may not be heavy into the religious symbols of the season. The nuances and side stories are so plentiful and fit like a jigsaw puzzle, connecting seamlessly into the larger narrative and make for a sensational piece of biographic work.
Like belief in St. Nicholas requires one to suspend reality at times, this book has moments where rational thought must be set aside and the magic of the season put front and centre. The attentive reader will be dazzled by what Guinn has done and will want to know more, which is thankfully available in two more volumes in the collection. With a mix of chapter lengths, Guinn and St. Nicholas take the reader on detailed or superficial journeys throughout the centuries, never skipping key aspects.
There are countless moments for the reader to learn the history of the time and how Christmas was once so controversial, as well as how Church and secular decisions created many precedents still used today (but whose origins many did not know). This has secured a spot on my annual Christmas reading list for sure and I will recommend this easy to comprehend piece to anyone who wishes a warm holiday read that brings out the child in us all.
Kudos, St. Nicholas and Mr. Guinn for reminding us what the holiday season is all about and ensuring no one ever forgets.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
During the holiday season, I turned to the gifted biography writer, Jeff Guinn, to open my mind to what must have been one of his most entertaining projects. Christmas tends to be a time of giving and there are many who find Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nicholas to be a key player in promoting this amongst the youngest part of the population.
As Guinn reveals in the introduction, he was tasked with writing the autobiography of the man in red and provides a stunning piece for fans of all ages to enjoy. Born in what is now a region of Turkey in 280, Nicholas was always a very loving child. His parents doted on him before their death, when Nicholas was sent to live with the monks. While there, Nicholas discovered the art of secretly gifting to others who were less fortunate, a theme in his life for centuries to come. While things did not always go his way, Nicholas soon grew to become a priest and bishop, never forgetting those in need.
It was at this time, when Nicholas attained the age of 60 or so, that he discovered his power to never age. He did, however, disappear from public sight and those within the community eventually were said to have found him dead in his bed, thereafter burying him and paying homage. Still, Nicholas lived and provided wonderful gifts to those who least expected it. Nicholas soon met a few important members of his team that would help him deliver gifts: Felix (a man who was a slave, but shared Nicholas’ passion for giving) and Layla (another secret gifter, who became a romantic interest). They would soon gain the same magical ability to live forever and work with Nicholas as he travelled around and provided gifts for children in need.
Nicholas was eventually sainted, though he never let this get to his head, worrying more about how his power to help was stymied whenever they entered a war-torn area. Coming across many people to help as the world evolved and population growth continued, Nicholas soon honed his gift giving to a time between his name day (December 6th) and the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th).
As time progressed, St. Nicholas became better known in Europe and served to bring joy to the lives of little ones, but with the discovery of the New World came Puritans who sought to rid the region of any celebratory connection to Christmas and Nicholas himself. It was at this time that Britain faced their own internal struggles and Christmas was all but wiped off the map. Diligently, St. Nicholas worked with his team to inject a new love of the holiday season.
In what seems like a rush through the ages, the newly nicknamed Santa Claus tells how he acquired the name and what new people he met along the way that helped to shape the modern idea that many have about him, from his use of chimneys to flying reindeer and even tie-ins to many songs depicting his jolly nature.
The latter portion of the book finds Santa settling in the North Pole to work and live permanently, an interesting tale all its own. How a man could have left an impact on children for close to 1800 years astounds me, but it is all here in this sensational autobiography that Jeff Guinn helped pen. Masterful in its detail and ties to historical events, this is sure to become a book readers return to regularly to spark a new light in their holiday traditions. Recommended for the lover of history, as well as those who enjoy learning a little more about the Christmas that one cannot find on the store shelves.
I have always been in awe when reading anything Jeff Guinn writes and this piece was no exception. While I have been aware of some facts about Nicholas throughout his life, I had no idea about the majority of the information depicted here, nor how it all tied together. Guinn’s extensive research and, perhaps (?), some writing freedoms allows the reader to get lost in the story of how this man went from orphan at nine to being a central part of the Christmas tradition, accepted by those who may not be heavy into the religious symbols of the season. The nuances and side stories are so plentiful and fit like a jigsaw puzzle, connecting seamlessly into the larger narrative and make for a sensational piece of biographic work.
Like belief in St. Nicholas requires one to suspend reality at times, this book has moments where rational thought must be set aside and the magic of the season put front and centre. The attentive reader will be dazzled by what Guinn has done and will want to know more, which is thankfully available in two more volumes in the collection. With a mix of chapter lengths, Guinn and St. Nicholas take the reader on detailed or superficial journeys throughout the centuries, never skipping key aspects.
There are countless moments for the reader to learn the history of the time and how Christmas was once so controversial, as well as how Church and secular decisions created many precedents still used today (but whose origins many did not know). This has secured a spot on my annual Christmas reading list for sure and I will recommend this easy to comprehend piece to anyone who wishes a warm holiday read that brings out the child in us all.
Kudos, St. Nicholas and Mr. Guinn for reminding us what the holiday season is all about and ensuring no one ever forgets.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm really disappointed in this one. I was hoping for a festive, entertaining history of the myth and magic of Santa Claus. I really enjoyed Jeff Guinn's biography of Jim Jones, so I was hoping for the same sweeping history of Saint Nicolas.
Sadly, this fell flat for me. The inclusion of random literary and historical figures really takes away from the story. There are also some pretty problematic exclusions, especially the author's implication that people didn't exist in North America before colonization. The narration also felt a little "preachy" at times. As an atheist, I went into it expecting a Catholic angle, but the erasure of other cultures and religions didn't sit right with me.
Sadly, this fell flat for me. The inclusion of random literary and historical figures really takes away from the story. There are also some pretty problematic exclusions, especially the author's implication that people didn't exist in North America before colonization. The narration also felt a little "preachy" at times. As an atheist, I went into it expecting a Catholic angle, but the erasure of other cultures and religions didn't sit right with me.
This was a nice little book to read. I'm not sure it will ever live to be the family classic read year after year though. Some of it is that even reading a chapter a night from December 1st to Christmas Eve, takes a lot for younger kids. My 10 year old and I read this together. We both liked the historical facts being explained into the myth. One glaring issue I had that also bothered the 10 year old, was the weight/waist line comments about Santa. One time, would have been okay, but it seemed it was brought up an awful lot. It seemed to bother Santa when this was done. Essentially his friends were teasing him when he made it clear he didn't care for it. I kept hoping it served some purpose to the story and it didn't. Ever. And that just made me sad. It didn't need to be mentioned more than once (if at all since it seemed to serve no purpose). It honestly detracted from the book for me. And not that it matters, but I've seen people respond to comments other reviewers make so I'll try to nip this in the bud. I'm 5'5 and way about 125lbs. It isn't something I'm taking personally because of my weight. It's more that we don't tease our friends about things that clearly bother them when we do.
The book left me confused ... it was as if the author gathered all the urban legends surrounding Santa Claus and explained them all rationally using famous people of our past. It would have been a great book for kids if it were a little funny. Santa seemed like a Doubting Thomas. But this book did reinforce my own mission statement, "behind every great man is an even greater woman." Amen.