Flight of the Reindeer: The True Story of Santa Claus and his Christmas Mission [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Robert Sullivan (Author) "AS A BOY, I knew with certainty that reindeer could fly..." (more)
Key Phrases: Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, North Pole (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Lest you think that Christmas is just a sentimental commercial venture perpetuated by misguided Victorian-era worshippers, Flight of the Reindeer offers proof positive that there is a Santa Claus and yes, reindeer really do know how to fly. Robert Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, diligently gathered documentation from respected scientists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to prove once and for all that Santa is not just a myth. The gorgeous illustrations, convincing photos, and smoothly written text make this book an ideal gift for children who are teetering on the edge of nonbelief and an even better one for grownups who long ago gave up hope.

From Publishers Weekly
Will Steger, world famous as a Polar explorer, has written about his exploits in several books. Never before, however, has he revealed his most extraordinary adventure: his 1986 expedition to Santa Claus's village at the North Pole. "Above us, gliding," Steger recalls to Life magazine senior editor Sullivan in this delightful, constantly surprising book, "were a hundred reindeer?two hundred, five hundred! They coated the sky." Steger isn't the only real-life celebrity or scientist here to confirm Santa's existence and to explain details of his "mission." From zoologist Tony Becchio, director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, R.I.) and from Smithsonian writer Bil Gilbert, Sullivan learns of the little-known species of Rangifer tarandus pearyi, the flying reindeer from whose ranks are chosen the select few to pull Santa's sleigh. From former president George Bush, he learns that "helping that fellow clear his airspace by signing the Santa Claus Clause was a great privilege of my office." Sir Edmund Hillary lets on that, upon his ascent of Everest, he saw his companion, Tenzing Norgay, "placing some cookies and some chocolates... in the snow." The text is complemented by more than 100 full-color illustrations, including extraordinary photos of Santa and his reindeer caught in flight over Dartmouth, N.H. The wit here may soar over most kids' heads, but for adults this is a cheerful new Christmas classic. 125,000 first printing; major ad/promo; QPB selection; author tour; rights sold in Germany.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Gift edition (August 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028612922
• ISBN-13: 978-0028612928
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #467,574 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Holiday Book, December 5, 2000

A Kid's Review

I was just at the point in my life where believing in Santa Claus seems extrememely childish, but then I read this book by Robert Sullivan. Pretty soon it had me convinced that Santa does exist and reindeer really do fly. The pictures are very interesting and the context is quite convincing, esp. the interviews. Many people (or Helpers) are questioned in this book. Some people that give testimonies are George Bush Sr. and Al Roker. Will Steger relates his conversation with Santa Claus to Robert Sullivan, who, fortunately, wrote it down in this book. Sullivan finds a lot of useful evidence too. Glenn Wolff illustrates the book wonderfully, and I like the fact that there is at least one picture or photo on every page. I do love the format of the book and all the extraordinary photos Sullivan puts in The Flight of the Reindeer From Santa's finding of Rudolph to Santa's current sleigh, this book gives an explanation for just about everything. Every Christmas season, I read this book. Without this book, I would probably be a non-believer.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Magic, Food for the Heart!, October 16, 2005

By	Young Patriot - See all my reviews

This book is an enchanting look into the legend of Santa Clause even the most mature adults will want to believe after reading this book. It's a great book to sit around the fireplace, drink some hot co-co, and read to your children. It's a great way to get you into the sprit of Christmas. It also has some interesting research. The library of Congress put this book under Non-Fiction how can you argue with that. There are also great illustrations in this book. This book is a great Coffee table book to have for the Christmas season.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh so absolutely delightful...proof positive of Santa!, October 19, 1997

By A Customer

Flight of the Reindeer proves the existance of Santa and his Elves beyond a shawdow of a doubt. A wonderous wealth of information for the young and the young at heart. The "chart of evidence" is so compelling, with drawings and photos to support the "written word".......don't pass on this one!