Blechman describes in words & delightful drawings how little was known of the actual life of St. Nicholas until an ancient manuscript (mss.), Vita Splendida et Illustris de Nicolo Beato,Ó was discovered in 1989 by an Italian farmer. The farmer donated it to the church, which sold it to an antiquarian dealer. It ended up for sale by Sotheby's, but the Italian government declared it a national treasure & demanded its return. After a conflict between UNESCO, the CIA, & the Italian-American Cultural League, Sotheby's sold the manuscript to R. Jay Gatchall, who donated it to a museum. Blechman then tells the story of the life of St. Nicholas. A charming book!