"No, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus. But there was a St. Nick: Nicholas of Myra, that is. More than 1,500 years have passed since Nicholas, a religious rebel and social reformer, embarked on a life journey that led him to devote himself to serving the poor and suffering, and to give away much of the inheritance left to him by wealthy parents. Bishop Nicholas soon became a legendary figure, whose exploits--real and imaginary--live on in the jolly old man we call Santa Claus. But unlike Santa, Bishop Nicholas, understanding Christianity's responsibilities in a hurting world, jeopardized his own security in the service of his fellows. Never safe from his enemies nor understood by his friends, 'Nicholas' life testified to God's gracious hand protecting and providing.' The author, an associate professor of religion at Campbell University, contends that this mythohistorical figure can best be understood when studied in the context of his milieu, the volatile political and religious atmosphere of 4th-century Greece. He presents this understanding very well. (Nov.)"
~Publishers Weekly
[English]... contends that this mythohistorical figure can best be understood when studied in the context of his milieu, the volatile political and religious atmosphere of 4th-century Greece. He presents this understanding very well.
~Publishers Weekly
... a fresh look at St. Nicholas... English does an excellent job of fleshing out the life and ministry of this man who became a saint who still inspires today.
~Library Journal
Adam English convinces us that the St. Nicholas we know is a cultural icon, as much Coca-Cola as Christian saint. But his real gift is in resurrecting through his painstaking historical detective work a flesh and blood St. Nicholas, whose courage and Christian generosity are worthy of emulation.
~Greg Garrett, author of One Fine Potion
A sensitive, erudite, and accessibly written introduction to the life and times of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey. Having devoted his life to serving Jesus Christ, the real St. Nicholas invites us to a truer and more joyful celebration of Christmas.
~Matthew Levering, Professor of Theology, University of Dayton
The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus, is both easy to read and developed enough to satiate both the casual reader and the serious academician.
~Matthew P. Payne, Diocese of Fond du Lac, Anglican and Episcopal History
The book is distinguished by its beautiful presentation and the occasionally placed black and white images perfectly as a gift for people who expect more from St. Nicholas than just a jam-packed boots.
~Nathalie Schmitt, Forum Antike Welt
The Saint Who Would Be Santa is a strong pick for biography and history collections.
~The Midwest Book Review
A Must Read!
~Liza Weidle, Religion and Faith Examiner
English is a capable storyteller, weaving biographical information about his subject... with rich historical details about his religious and sociological milieu.
~Dawn Eden, The Weekly Standard
English... builds a convincing case that there really was a St. Nicholas.
~The Wall Street Journal
The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus is the best of hagiography combined with the best of secular history, all liberally spiced with the passion and verve of a good biographer in thrall to his subject. Thanks to English, we have tantalizing glimpses of what actually shaped the man into the saint, and both into an icon.
~Phyllis Tickle, bestselling author of The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why and The Words of Jesus
I recommend this book to both scholars and laymen. English is a superb storyteller. The work is well organized and expressed, and the fascinating relationship between the historical person and the mythical symbol of Christmas is enough to compel one to engage the book.
~Paul A. Sanchez, Fides et Humilitas
