[.uk] The Autobiography of Santa Claus (ISBN 1593160364)

Pretentiously un-Christmas-like:
I was intrigued by the title when I saw this in Borders last yeear, and pondered for a while whether or not to purchase it. After some consideration, and the thought that this could be a really good read, I spent my money on it, and in short order became quite disappointed. The book seems more like a roll call of mysterious historical figures mashed together haphazardly with Santa from Atilla the Hun (who swears off a lifetime of warfare to make kiddy toys) to King Arthur, Leonardo daVinci St Francis, and a few others... Over the course of the novel, Santa became quite whiny about his mission and how it would succeed and the public's portrayal of him. The author also had Santa swear off giving gifts to children in war-torn countries becase war weakened their powers. This is my largest annoyance with this book. Why would a self-less man refuse to give gifts to those who need them most? According to this book, Santa only gave gifts to children who lived in peaceful countries, because it was easy for him. But those children who needed gifts the most, who suffered the most, were left with nothing. Absolutely absurd. That is tantamount to refusing medical treatment to those with cancer and severed limbs so that those who need bandaids and advil can be helped. As the book progressed I felt less and less like I was reading a story about Santa Claus, and more and more like I was reading a cheap history book... There was no charm, no mystique, none of that Christmas magic. Just a whiny old man and a bunch of historical figures who refused to help those in greatest need. And am I to believe that it was Atilla the Hun who delivered gifts to me as a child? Or King Arthur? Or Amelia Earhart? I cringe at the absurd pretentiousness of Guinn's pen. Do not waste your money. Go rent or buy "Santa Claus: The Movie" with John Lithgow in a supporting role, and see a proper origin of the right jolly old elf.

I loved it!:
For all those who've ever wondered how a 3rd century Turkish bishop named Nicholas evolved into a fat, jolly man in red who lives at the North Pole and drives a reindeer-drawn flying sleigh -- this is the book for you. A very interesting and entertaining story full of famous historical characters and Christmas cheer. A little dry for children, a little simple for adults, but sure to be a hit with those who love Christmas and Santa.

Recommended to anyone of any age!:
My husband bought me this book due to my love of all things Christmas. I read it on a coast to coast flight a few years ago. It was an easy read, but so worth it. It is historically accurate and a great book for anyone who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. I have just recommended this book to my 11 year old brother and know he will love it.

Perfect Christmas Gift:
I bought this book for my 20 year old niece who loves to read. I chose it so she can keep believing! Perfect for someone to add to their book collection.The Autobiography of Santa Claus

24 Chapters = 24 Days Before Christmas:
I think this is a great book for kids over the age of 5 or so. I think you could take some of the stories about real people such as King Arthur, Attila the Hun and Clermont Morgan. It gives parents the opportunity to sit down with the child and learn about histoy along with the life of Santa Claus. I however found that all the reality characters to be joining up left and right to be unreal. It's sad that what Christmas is about...Christ is almost put to the side. I enjoyed this book but it was a little too long and the main characters weren't developed enough.