Searching for Santa Claus by Ruys, Smith, Thomas

Santa Claus appears throughout popular culture, captivating the imaginations and shaping the wishes of millions of children across the world - but he only came into focus as a social and cultural icon relatively recently, in the 19th century. This landmark anthology traces his evolution. It brings together the most influential and pivotal portraits of Santa Claus, revealing how a simple gift-giver developed into one of the most recognised global figures. Through its groundbreaking exploration of stories, poems, and images, it shines a light on the cultivation of Santa as both a vitally important literary figure and a powerful cultural touchstone who stands at the heart of our seasonal celebrations.