Early December once again found Santa...

Early December once again found Santa Claus in the paperback section of his favorite bookstore, looking for last-minute gifts. The budget cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency meant he could get away with lumps of coal for the people on the “naughty” list, he figured, but he still needed some presents for the “nice.”

GOING INTO DARKNESS Fantastic Coffins From Africa by Theirry Secretan (Thames & Hudson: $24.95; 128 pp.) Although the subject may seem odd for a holiday gift, “Going Into Darkness: Fantastic Coffins From Africa” offers a look at the flamboyant caskets of the Ga people of Ghana. Carved and painted to resemble realistic eagles, fish, cacao pods, tools and even a Mercedes Benz, these elaborate coffins give new meaning to the phrase, “going in style.”

After lighting a small fire in the O.J. Simpson section of the bookstore, Santa departed with his traditional apostrophe, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Read! “