Man of Nazareth [Paperback]

Anthony Burgess (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam Books (Mm) (March 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553133187
• ISBN-13: 978-0553133189
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,321,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anthony Burgess (25th February 1917-22nd November 1993) was one of the UK's leading academics and most respected literary figures. A prolific author, during his writing career Burgess found success as a novelist, critic, composer, playwright, screenwriter, travel writer, essayist, poet and librettist, as well as working as a translator, broadcaster, linguist and educationalist. His fiction also includes NOTHING LIKE THE SUN, a recreation of Shakespeare's love-life, but he is perhaps most famous for the complex and controversial novel A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, exploring the nature of evil. Born in Manchester, he spent time living in Southeast Asia, the USA and Mediterranean Europe as well as in England, until his death in 1993.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, funny and moving book, March 10, 2010

By 

Kevin M. Mccarthy "Slugboy" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Man of Nazareth (Paperback)

First the disclaimer- I am NOT a believer. I am not an agnostic. I am a flat out atheist. Now that is out of the way. This is an incredible book and should be read by anyone who wants or needs to understand the positive side of Christianity and religion itself. Burgess takes this tale oft told and gives it, not a new spin, but a refreshing perspective. He keeps the tone light and the story going- he doesn't linger on any one aspect one can travel from Nazareth to Jerusalem to Rome all on one page- not a word wasted. The central thesis is pretty clearly laid out on the last few pages and I won't ruin it here but I will say that the light tone supports this thesis. Really this is just a beautiful book- find a copy and enjoy whether you are a believer or not.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The utterly REAL "Passion of the Christ", March 14, 2004

By 

J. Reynolds (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Man of Nazareth (Paperback)

This book came out 20 years before Melvin Gibson's cinematic spectacle, this in-depth literary examination of the life and death of Jesus -- and, as is the case with all book-vs-film portrayals, the book wins. For you snuff fans, Man of Nazareth is every bit as gory as Melvin's film, going into painful detail about the Roman method of execution in those days. And, its flashbacks are more powerful and thoughtful, for those seeking expansion of the biblical accounts.

Problem is, this is a mere book -- it's not a Melvin Gibson movie. That's why it won't achieve anything near the circulation this new film will enjoy. More's the pity.

5.0 out of 5 stars History, Gospel & Style, February 3, 2012

By 

Joseph Goodson (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Man of Nazareth (Paperback)

This fascinating novel blends history, gospel, legend and Burgess' own inimitable and audacious prose style to craft a truly unique picture of Jesus of Nazareth that is neither simply Christian nor secular. This novel was created from the screenplay written by Burgess and Franco Zeffirelli for the classic 1977 miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth. Burgess' picture of 1st century Palestine is, much like the work of Flaubert's Paris in Sentimental Education, set against a very cogent religious, political and social background, but filled with all kinds of newly created detail and characters that enriches the story of the incarnation in some rather unorthodox---but always compelling---ways. A really toothsome read.