Customer Reviews

The Fourth Wise Man

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Wow. A book I've read 5 times this week and still brings tears to my eyes. The kids (25 jumpy children who just saw snow outside) were mesmerized. The best investment our Sunday School has made for the church library. Wow!! Such descriptive language and drop-dead gorgeous pictures. Easily transported us all back 2000 years.

I read the book to our Sunday School children before class to kick off our Christmas lessons, passed around jewelry with jewels just like Artaban had, then gave out the cheap plastic jewels from a dollar store. The kids are to carry the jewel in a picket to remind them to give a gift to someone this month, like Artaban spent 33 years doing. Every child should have this book!

This book should be on the gift list for everyone you know! The original story was written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933). Susan Summers has rewritten and brought forth such gorgeous illustrations of a very special tale! No holiday season should go by without bringing this wonderful book out to read in a cozy gathering around the fireplace.

The Fourth Wise Man tells the story of Artaban who had originally planned to journey to Bethlehem with the other three wisemen to pay homage to the new King of the Jews but was delayed by his acts of kindness to others along the way. He does miss the birth of Jesus but continues a lifelong search of the King with a most wonderful journey and blissful end.

This is one of my all time favorites for any season and always brings tears to my eyes to think of the beauty of Artaban's life. Here's what Mr. Van Dyke had to say about his story:
"Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are."

I love this book. And it is great for any age. I was introduced to the book a few years ago. I fell so much in love with the book, I had to read it to my Sunday School class which was a group of 5th grade boys. They were completly drawn into the story. They loved it. It has some great biblical truths within the story, which leads to a great discussion.
The illustrations are awesome.

This is a great book, especially for anyone trying to teach the real meaning of christmas. It is in the format of a child's book, but its language and subject matter (including the murder of all babies under Herod) is pretty advanced, so it's appropriate for kids who would normally read chapter books: I'd say 7+ years.

A wonderful addition to a family's library. Reading this book should become a family tradition right along with "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

This book is breathtaking. The art work is stunning watercolors -- if they were available as prints I would get them for my church. The story is engaging, though not simple; this book is not short and it does not talk down to children. But even young children are likely to be held by the power of the images and of the language. The ending of the story is written so beautifully, so powerfully, that I decided when I closed the book that I had to have a copy of it for my personal 'storytelling library.' This is a book that blesses.

How about something fresh and new to cut through some of the Christmas clutter that seems to spring up around the holiday each year and must always be pruned away before the season can be properly celebrated and enjoyed ?

How about a powerful and moving story that has stood the test of time for a hundred years and is available as a children's book?

How about a meaningful and inspiring tale that the whole family can enjoy together, a fictional story that helps to put the real story of Christmas into its proper historical and cultural context, and expose some of its true meaning?

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) graduated from Princeton in 1873, was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands (1913-16). He wrote the well known hymn Ode To Joy (Joyful, Joyful). He also wrote The Story of the Other Wise Man which was originally published in 1895.

He wrote how Artaban desperately desired to travel with the other three wise men to worship and adore the Christ Child, but delayed his quest to bring his gifts to the newborn king in order to help a dying man, save the life of a baby, and rescue a young girl from slavery. Artaban finally loses every one of his gifts but finds and is found by the King of kings. Henry Van Dyke wrote a touching story of someone who spends his life doing good and searching for truth and beauty.

Susan Summers was a teacher in England. During an epiphany service at a small church she first encountered Henry Van Dyke's story. She was so impressed and moved by it that she began to use it each year as a school assembly topic. After leaving teaching she rewrote the story for children, and dedicated it to her former students.

Jackie Morris created the beautiful watercolor illustrations that accompany the text. They include large panoramic vistas and moving portraits.

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I needed the book quickly for my Sunday school class, so I paid extra for one day shipping. The book arrived in one day. It was in good shape, and a beautifully told and illustrated story, which the kids loved.

I loved this book and the message it is teaching. God is telling us that by helping others, we are doing His word and carrying on his message. I read it to my grandchildren on Christmas Eve.

The Bible tells of the three wise men, Magi, who came from the East, following a star to the newly born King of the Jews. But, there was a fourth wise man, Artaban, who sold all that he had, and acquired three jewels, to give as his gift to the babe. But, when Artaban stops to help a sick man, he is delayed and misses accompanying the other three, and so he must set off alone. This is the story of the fourth wise man, who seeks the King of the Jews, and finds him in the most unlikely of places.

This is an absolutely wonderful story. It takes the famous 1896 story, written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), and puts it in simple and yet powerful words which can be read by the younger reader. But, this isn't just a kids' book. Indeed, the author wrote an excellent parable for all Christians, telling a powerful story in an easy-to-understand manner. I loved the story, and Jackie Morris's excellent illustrations.

I am glad to have this book, and highly recommend it to everyone!