Glimpses of Truth (The Book of Books Series #1) [Paperback]

Jack Cavanaugh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0310215749 | ISBN-13: 978-0310215745 | Publication Date: April 1, 1999 | Edition: First Edition

English peasants struggle to preserve the last remaining transcript of Wycliffe's pioneering translation of the New Testament into English in this first book of the Book of Books series.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the 1300s, it was considered an act of heresy to translate the Scriptures into a language ordinary people could understand. However, Thomas Torr is one who believes that it is vital for everybody to be able to read the Bible in order to profit fully from its teachings. Torr is therefore proud to help John Wycliffe translate the New Testament into English. Based on fact, this story combines elements of religious history with the qualities of a mainstream thriller, which makes for especially exciting reading. Cavanaugh (The Victors, Chariot Victor, 1998) is especially adept at blending a religious message subtly through the storyline, making its effect more profound.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

In Thomas Torr's time, it is considered treason to translate the Scriptures so that the common people can read them. Thus, when Thomas--an intellectually gifted orphan and ward of a humble farmer--assists John Wycliffe in translating the New Testament into English, he falls under the scrutiny of the Roman church. Offered the chance to make his case for the translation before the Vatican, Thomas accompanies Bishop William Pole to Rome. There, betrayal awaits him, and the beginnings of an incredible adventure. When the last translation he knows of is destroyed, Thomas barely escapes with his life. Hunted by the Roman church and by the evil Pole--a man whose dark secret makes him Thomas's mortal enemy--he returns to England, where further heartbreak awaits him. Felice, the daughter of Thomas's ward and Thomas's true love, has believed him to be dead. Turning for comfort to Kendall Bromley, son of a local official, Felice finds her friendship turning into attraction--and a romantic entanglement with the return of Thomas. Thrown together by fate, Thomas, Kendall, Felice, and Howel, Felice's father, find refuge with a gang of homeless rebels. The story builds to a dramatic climax as Howel is captured and faces execution at the hands of Bromley.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company; First Edition edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310215749
• ISBN-13: 978-0310215745
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,471,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A student of history, ancient languages and myths, Jack has taught history, sociology, and writing on the college level.

Now a full-time novelist, on most days you'll find Jack's body in his 3,000 volume library reading and translating and writing, but his mind and spirit are not there. If you're looking for him, you might try Narnia; or Middle Earth; or Mars; or ancient Ephesus; or galaxies far, far away; any time in the past, present, or future.

In the evenings, Jack returns to his body where he lives with his wife of 38 years in Southern California.

AWARDS
* Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
* Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
* Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
* Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
* Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
* Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cavanaugh = Great Historical Fiction, May 12, 2000

By 

Crystal Nielsen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glimpses of Truth (The Book of Books Series #1) (Paperback)

I highly recommend "Glimpses of Truth" to anyone who 1) enjoys a good adventure, 2) likes a tender romance and 3) wants to understand why the Bible is a precious book.

Jack Cavanaugh is a master of historical fiction, bringing to life the people and places involved in major events long ago that still affect us today. One can practically smell the earthy grime of the village of Fearnleah, taste an elaborate dinner prepared for the bishop, hear the hubbub at the annual Christ's Mass celebration. But more than that, we are led through young Thomas Torr's spiritual odyssey in a way that leaves a permanent impression; one can never look at the Bible in the same way.

All in all, this first volume in the Book of Books series is a great read and difficult to put down. But that's the case with most anything written by Cavanaugh!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's great!, May 4, 2002

By 

Jenny Reber (Taylorville, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glimpses of Truth (The Book of Books Series #1) (Paperback)

Wow...this book was really great! I had never read anything by Jack Cavanaugh before, and I really don't know who he was - but this book totally blew me away. You get totally drawn into the story and you feel connected to each one of the characters - when one takes a blow you feel it! My favorite part of this book is how God is highlighted as the main focus -then there is this tender romance underlying it - that...wow, just tears at you! It's a great book, I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History Revealed in All Her Glory!, April 15, 2000

By 

"gallowaygirl" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glimpses of Truth (The Book of Books Series #1) (Paperback)

Jack Cavanaugh is one of my favorite writers of historical fiction--this book is yet another example of why he's so good at his craft. Facts and figures are woven into the fabric of the story, not stitched on top like superfluous trim. His homework is obvious, yet never overshadows the story or the characters. It's a powerful rendering of the Wycliffe history, told with a pastor's heart and a novelist's sense of drama. A wonderful read!