A fun read. Less of an academic history of the subject than like a grandfather telling you interesting stories. Freedom from academic restrictions allows the author to make speculations and symbolic connections that one otherwise would not have considered. In this sense, it reminded me of Freud's *The Future of an Illusion*. Recommended if you are interested in the history of ideas (pagan origins of Christmas celebrations, Zwaarte Piet, etc.) Makes me want to re-read Joseph Campbell too. ( )