A fun and factual look at the development of the Santa Claus legend, from his origins as Saint Nicholas right up to today's fat jolly elf. The perfect Christmas gift, this beautiful book explains how the bearded, red clad, big bellied, reindeer driving jovial gent came to be the face of Christmas, and reveals the historical origins of Saint Nicholas over seventeen hundred years ago in the Eastern Roman Empire. In a winding, magical tale filled with mystery and good will towards all men, Joseph McCullough travels across Europe (and the North Pole… of course) to uncover the exploits of Santa in a book that is sure to fill even the most jaded scrooges with a little bit of Christmas magic. And for any nervous parents out there – don't worry, there are no Father Christmas 'spoilers' between the pages of this book – ensuring the wonderous children's whisperings of Santa will continue… for another couple of years at least!