Stealing Saint Nick
A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories that Shape the World
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Stealing Saint Nick
Narrated by:
M. T. Anderson
Buy Now for $23.23
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Narrated by:
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M. T. Anderson
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By:
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M. T. Anderson
Summary
M. T. Anderson still believes in Santa Claus—just not in the way you think.
Born of the research for Nicked, his acclaimed adult debut, Stealing Saint Nick is the story of the man who became Father Christmas—but only after surviving the Great Persecution, the fall of the Roman Empire, and the theft of his magically oozing bones (twice).
Anderson traces Nicholas of Myra, future patron saint of consumption, from his humble origins as a child born into a fringe Jewish cult in a small town on the Mediterranean coast in the third century AD through his rise to one of the preeminent saints in all of Christianity to his transformation into an icon of capitalism and unwitting rival to Jesus Christ. Along the way, Anderson shows how human history can only be known and understood by both examining the objective facts and by studying the fantastical stories that people choose to make into myths.
Anderson's full powers as a storyteller and a scholar are on display in this incredibly readable and hugely informative tale about how the stories we believe in common shape the course of humanity.
*Includes a downloadable PDF of maps and other material from the book
Critic Reviews
★ "Saint Nicholas's enduring legends, Anderson insightfully reflects, challenge us to consider how older ideas of ethics, morality, and heroism relate to our own beliefs and how vitally important it is to listen to others' stories. Historical writing at its most thrilling and thought-provoking."—Kirkus, starred review
★"With his typical blend of obsessive research, thoughtful approach, and engaging writing, Anderson digs deep, blending historical information and various accounts of myths and legends (many in conflict or clearly exaggerated), while centering the story on the events of a heist, when a group of eleventh-century sailors stole St. Nicholas’ remains to install them in their own city.... Anderson also offers a masterclass in historiography, revealing how historians piece together accounts of the past from a vast range of sources, even obviously inaccurate ones, by grappling with the wider context in which those resources were written."—Booklist, starred review
★ "Demonstrating connections from history to current times makes this historical work relevant, and the elements of mystery and mysticism make for dramatic reading."—SLJ, starred review
★ "The epic scope of the narrative is breathtaking, but equally impressive is Anderson’s explicit discussion of historiography—how history is written, interpreted, and changed."—The Horn Book, starred review
★ "Anderson's historical account is captivating, and he consistently challenges readers to consider sources, analyze and synthesize information, and ask their own questions. This work is a true gift for any reader--especially those with an investment in Santa Claus."—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Wry amusement sets the tone for this intriguing look into the complicated history of a beloved holiday icon. It’s a meticulously researched volume that shows, through one recognizable figure, how individual tellings can warp details over time."—PW
★"With his typical blend of obsessive research, thoughtful approach, and engaging writing, Anderson digs deep, blending historical information and various accounts of myths and legends (many in conflict or clearly exaggerated), while centering the story on the events of a heist, when a group of eleventh-century sailors stole St. Nicholas’ remains to install them in their own city.... Anderson also offers a masterclass in historiography, revealing how historians piece together accounts of the past from a vast range of sources, even obviously inaccurate ones, by grappling with the wider context in which those resources were written."—Booklist, starred review
★ "Demonstrating connections from history to current times makes this historical work relevant, and the elements of mystery and mysticism make for dramatic reading."—SLJ, starred review
★ "The epic scope of the narrative is breathtaking, but equally impressive is Anderson’s explicit discussion of historiography—how history is written, interpreted, and changed."—The Horn Book, starred review
★ "Anderson's historical account is captivating, and he consistently challenges readers to consider sources, analyze and synthesize information, and ask their own questions. This work is a true gift for any reader--especially those with an investment in Santa Claus."—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Wry amusement sets the tone for this intriguing look into the complicated history of a beloved holiday icon. It’s a meticulously researched volume that shows, through one recognizable figure, how individual tellings can warp details over time."—PW
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