Customer Reviews

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus in Latin!: Vere, Virginia, Sanctus Nicolaus Est!

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At times, we all need to remember the magic of wonder and faith in what we cannot see. Even the Classical authors contemplated the truth of the unknown. This Christmas classic translated into Latin combines a beautiful story with the language of ancient philosophers. And, it's a perfect introduction to abstract ideas-love, generosity, truth, beauty, transcendental reality-that are the basis of human interaction.

Complete with a full glossary of words, the book is approachable to any past, present, or future student of Latin. For those who are not familiar with the language at all, the Latin text is followed by the English translation side-by-side with the Latin reproduced. Moreover, the book encourages its readers to recall their own special Christmas memories on blank pages left especially for this purpose at the end of the book. Perfect as a gift for any loved one, Yes, Virginia is beautifully illustrated, wonderfully told, and lovingly shared.

I felt touched by this little book. It is a very nice gift for anyone, but in particular children. Do yo fel your Christmas experience has become to much about shopping, cooking, cleaning and other work? Do yourself a favor and spend a quiet moment with this book and it will warm your heart.
If you already have this book and would like something else that is suitable for young readers (or those who are young at heart) I recommend Puer Zingiberi Panis: et Fabulae Alterae (Latin Edition).

See my 'Latin Reading List' and 'Best Latin Books for Kids and Teens'.

It's going to be hard to peg this but small but elegant picturebook, which looks like a child's reader but contains an all-Latin version of Church's story, translated by Walter Sauer and Hermann Wiegand and illustrated by Matthias Kringe. Suffice it to say that students of Latin - of all ages - will find Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus - In Latin! both whimsical and a challenge to a student's elementary-level Latin knowledge. A fun little book.