Story of the Other Wise Man [Paperback]

Henry Van Dyke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1996

"I do not know where this little story came from--out of the air, perhaps.  One thing is certain, it is not written in any other book, nor is it to be found among the ancient lore of the East.  And yet I have never felt as if it were my own.  It was a gift, and it seemed to me as if I knew the Giver."  
--Henry Van Dyke

Long, long ago, a wise man named Artaban, a priest of the Magi, discerned from heavenly signs that the time was at hand for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy--the birth among the Hebrews of a holy Prince and Deliverer of Man.  Hastening to join three fellow Magi for the long journey into Judaea, he paused to help a dying man and was left behind.  And so Artaban began his pilgrimage alone, striking out not toward the realization of his life's deepest longing, as he hoped, but only toward misfortune and suffering.  Or so he believed until one blessed, radiant moment.

With an introduction by Leo Buscaglia

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"I do not know where this little story came from--out of the air, perhaps.  One thing is certain, it is not written in any other book, nor is it to be found among the ancient lore of the East.  And yet I have never felt as if it were my own.  It was a gift, and it seemed to me as if I knew the Giver."  
--Henry Van Dyke

Long, long ago, a wise man named Artaban, a priest of the Magi, discerned from heavenly signs that the time was at hand for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy--the birth among the Hebrews of a holy Prince and Deliverer of Man.  Hastening to join three fellow Magi for the long journey into Judaea, he paused to help a dying man and was left behind.  And so Artaban began his pilgrimage alone, striking out not toward the realization of his life's deepest longing, as he hoped, but only toward misfortune and suffering.  Or so he believed until one blessed, radiant moment.

With an introduction by Leo Buscaglia

About the Author

Henry Van Dyke was a preacher, university professor, diplomat, poet, translator, and author of many inspirational writings.  His most famous work is The Story of the Other Wise Man, one of the best loved and most inspiring of all Christmas classics, celebrating its triumphant centennial in 1996.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (November 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345406958
• ISBN-13: 978-0345406958
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.3 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "The Other Wise Man" brings a very special gift., October 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Story of the Other Wise Man (Paperback)

When I was 12 years old, my Sunday school teacher gave me a book for Christmas. The book, written in 1896 by Henry van Dyke, was The Story of the Other Wise Man. It tells the story of a fourth Magi, Artaban. This "other wise man" saw the same heavenly signs that told his friends, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, of the arrival of the Christ Child. Artaban has his own gifts (a sapphire, a ruby and a pearl) to present to Jesus, but, while hastening to join his friends, Artaban stops to aid a dying man and is left behind. He spends the rest of his life in a search for Christ, but each time he comes close to his goal, he is sidetracked by the need to help another human being. Not much longer than a long short story, The Story of the Other Wise Man is the perfect book for reading aloud with the family this holiday season.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pearl of great price, October 10, 2004

By 

Brad4d "bb" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Story of the Other Wise Man (Paperback)

--I first read this book when I was fifty years old and instantly became forty years younger. The book not only tells the story of Christmas, it tells the story of a kind and wise man.

--The story begins long ago, when four gifted astrologers set out to find the newborn Prince of Heaven and Earth. They all know this is the most important journey they will ever take, but one of them, named Artaban, spends too much time comforting a dying old man and cannot meet his three companions as they set out, so he misses his chance to visit Bethlehem with his three friends. Artaban must begin his search all over again, but he does not regret his decision. His youth passes and he becomes a dignified and just old man. Two more opportunities to meet the Christ come his way, and both are thwarted because he again takes time to perform acts of kindness. One of these happens at the end of his life, when ....

--Artaban is lovingly touched by the Christ in a way far, far better than if he had been with his companions on that night in Bethlehem.

--This is a story for kids from one to ninety-two. If you are thinking about reading this story for you or for a child in your life, do it
.... and if you've ever regretted delaying your own Spiritual Journey because you must raise children or work helping others or care for a sick relative, then this book is definitely for you.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The dream everyone dreams is lost and found here..., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Story of the Other Wise Man (Paperback)

It is the dream of every believer-to meet Jesus. To bow at his feet, to offer all you are to him, and hear him say "Well done my good and faithful servant." So it was for the other wise man. He, however, gives it up to help a dying man. He then, in turn, forfits his place with the other Magi at the birth of Jesus. This is the story of a man who spends his life hunting the dream of every christian on Earth. It is the single most touching story I have ever read. God was truly at work in Mr. Van Dyke.