Ever wondered what Santa Claus was like before Coca-Cola and department stores got hold of him? James Kirke Paulding’s 1836 collection, The Book of Saint Nicholas, offers a peek. Forget the red suit and reindeer. Here, Saint Nick is a figure from Dutch-American folklore, a stern but just supernatural visitor who deals out poetic—and often harsh—justice.

The Story

This isn’t a single novel, but a series of tales and sketches. They’re framed as stories told by a group of men in a New York tavern, each sharing legends of Saint Nicholas. We don’t get a linear plot, but a mosaic of encounters. In one story, a greedy man is tricked and humbled. In another, a lazy fellow gets a supernatural scare straight into hard work. Saint Nick himself is less a character and more a force of nature—a judge who appears, sets things right (or terribly wrong for the guilty), and vanishes. The real ‘story’ is about the community sharing these myths, showing how this figure was woven into the fabric of early American life, long before he became a symbol of commercial Christmas.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this because it’s so unexpected. Paulding’s writing has a dry, wry humor that feels modern. He’s not preaching; he’s sharing weird campfire stories. The Saint Nicholas here is fascinating—he’s kind of a folk hero, kind of a ghost, and completely removed from the rotund, laughing man we know today. Reading it feels like uncovering a secret history. You get a strong sense of the Dutch cultural roots that persisted in New York and a reminder that our holidays are built on layers of much older, and sometimes darker, traditions. It’s a quick, engaging read that makes you look at December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) in a whole new light.

Final Verdict

This book is a perfect pick for curious readers who enjoy historical deep cuts, American folklore, or alternative holiday stories. If you like Washington Irving’s Sketch Book (which features a famous St. Nick story), you’ll feel right at home here. It’s also great for anyone who thinks our modern myths have gotten too sanitized and wants to taste their rougher, original flavors. Just don’t go in expecting a heartwarming Christmas novel—expect a handful of clever, slightly spooky tales from a forgotten corner of American storytelling.