An entertaining, often surprising look at the life of the world’s most influential fictional character. He is the embodiment of charity and generosity, a creation of mythology, a tool of clever capitalists. The very idea of him is enduring and powerful. Santa Claus was born in early-nineteenth-century America, but his family tree goes back seven hundred years to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Intervening generations were shaggy and strange — whip-wielding menaces to naughty boys and girls. Yet as the raucous, outdoor, alcohol-fuelled holiday gave way to a more domestic, sentimental model, a new kind of gift-bringer was called for — a loveable elf, still judgmental but far less threatening. In this engaging social and cultural history, Gerry Bowler examines the place of Santa Claus in history, literature, advertising, and art. He traces his metamorphosis from a beardless youth into a red-suited peddler. He reveals the lesser-known aspects of the gift-bringer’s life — Santa’s involvement with social and political causes of all stripes (he enlisted on the Union side in the American Civil War), his starring role in the movies and as adman for gun-makers and insurance companies. And he demolishes the myths surrounding Santa Claus and Coca-Cola. Santa Claus: A Biography will stand as the classic work on the long-lived and multifarious Mr. Claus.

This is a comprehensive history of the world's midwinter gift-givers, showcasing the extreme diversity in their depictions as well as the many traits and functions these characters share. It tracks the evolution of these figures from the tribal priests who presided over winter solstice celebrations thousands of years before the birth of Christ, to Christian notables like St. Martin and St. Nicholas, to a variety of secular figures who emerged throughout Europe following the Protestant Reformation. Finally, it explains how the popularity of a poem about a "miniature sleigh" and "eight tiny reindeer" helped consolidate the diverse European gift-givers into an enduring tradition in which American children awake early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Although the names, appearance, attire and gift-giving practices of the world's winter solstice gift-givers differ greatly, they are all recognizable as Santa, the personification of the Christmas and Midwinter festivals. Despite efforts to eliminate him by groups as diverse as the Puritans of seventeenth century New England, the Communist Party of the twentieth century Soviet Union and the government of Nazi Germany, Santa has survived and prospered, becoming one of the best known and most beloved figures in the world.

Immortal yuletide figure now a paper doll. Evolution of true Saint Nick to Santa Claus in 4 dolls, 18 historically accurate costumes.

Established in 1911, The Rotarian is the official magazine of Rotary International and is circulated worldwide. Each issue contains feature articles, columns, and departments about, or of interest to, Rotarians. Seventeen Nobel Prize winners and 19 Pulitzer Prize winners – from Mahatma Ghandi to Kurt Vonnegut Jr. – have written for the magazine.

Within the pages of 'The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales: 500+ Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends' lies a treasure trove of carefully curated works, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Christmas literature across the ages. This anthology boasts an impressive array of literary styles, from the gilded narratives of Charles Dickens to the poignant verses of William Wordsworth, enveloping readers in the diverse and multifaceted celebrations of Christmas. Noteworthy for its inclusivity and breadth, the collection showcases a vast spectrum of emotional and thematic variations on the Yuletide spirit, making it a quintessential compendium for the holiday season. The collection stands out for its embracement of both the legendary, as seen in the fantastical tales of George Macdonald, and the intimately personal, as reflected in Emily Dickinson's delicately wrought poetry, offering a panoramic view of Christmas through the literary lens. The assembled authors, a veritable who's who of literary giants spanning centuries, bring together a harmonious blend of voices that reflect their respective eras, cultural backgrounds, and personal philosophies. From the romantic optimism of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to the critical social narratives of Charles Dickens, the anthology bridges the gap between past and present, making timeless themes of hope, generosity, and reflection accessible to a contemporary audience. The diversity of literary movements represented—from Romanticism to Realism and beyond—enriches the collection, providing a layered and nuanced exploration of Christmas traditions and their evolution. By delving into 'The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales,' readers are afforded an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of Christmas literature. The collection not only serves as a testament to the enduring allure of holiday storytelling but also as an educational journey through the landscapes of literary history. It is an essential addition to the libraries of scholars and enthusiasts alike, inviting a deepened appreciation for the artistic and cultural dimensions of the holiday season. Offering more than just entertainment, this anthology stimulates a dialogue between the classic and the contemporary, the solemn and the celebratory, encouraging readers to revisit and rediscover the enchantment of Christmas through the ages.