For the Temple (Paperback)

~ (Author), Michael Fitterling (Illustrator), Solomon J. Solomon (Illustrator) "DREAMING, John, as usual?..." (more)
Key Phrases: John of Gischala, John of Gamala, King Agrippa (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For the Temple follows the adventures of young John of Gamala during the dark years of Roman occupation, political infighting, and lawlessness that resulted in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A. D. 70. John does his best to prevent the loss of the Temple against overwhelming odds. This book puts you there at the heart of the conflict between Imperial Rome and the greedy political groups and robber bands of ancient Palestine. Although fighting a losing struggle, John keeps his integrity and honor intact and eventually becomes a procurator and a follower of the recent prophet, Jesus.

From the Publisher

A stirring tale of the last days of the Temple at Jerusalem. Robber bands and political infighting sets the stage for the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. In the face of overwhelming odds, John of Gamala does his best to save God's Temple, harrasing Roman work parties, burning Roman camps, defending Jerusalem during the Roman siege, and even fighting Titus himself in hand-to-hand combat--forging a relationship with the Roman leader that lasts until after the war. In spite of fighting a losing battle, John keeps his integrity and honor intact.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 403 pages
• Publisher: Lost Classics Book Co.; Reprint edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890623075
• ISBN-13: 978-1890623074
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #454,066 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I read all 400 pages in two days!, February 12, 2001

By A Customer

"Clash! Bang! Ka-ching!" The valley echoes with the sound of iron upon iron. Tight-lipped the two solitary foes circle each other, thrusting, slashing, striking, and warding off the blows of the other. Suddenly, the younger man, dressed in Jewish garb, and armed only with a sword and buckler, dashes under the heavily armed Roman's sword. The sudden impact throws the Roman to the ground, though the Hebrew is stuck hard on the head. Brushing aside the blood that pours down his forehead the Jew siezes his knife and and raises it, to end the life of his prostrate fiend. "Strike, Jew! I am Titus!" the Roman boldly states. Who are these two combatants? What do they have against each other? The Hebrew is 19-year-old John of Gamala, a hero to the Jews and a scourge to the Roman army. Titus is General of the Roman army invading Israel, whose people are fresh from throwing off the Roman government. How will this deadly duel play out? Never mind. This excellently written novel is much better than Super Glue ever dreamed of being. "For The Temple", if anything can, will glue you to your seat so that it will take a bulldozer to dislodge you. {note: we don't recomend the use of this book for repairing broken toys, however.} "For The Temple" chronicles the life of a Galilean teenager at the time of the fall of Jerusalem. From the storm on Lake Tibereas, to the siege at Jotatpata, you will grow to love and admire John, son of Simon, as he grows, wars, and has adventures of all kinds defending Josephus, Gamala, his betrothed wife, and finally the Temple in Jerusalem. Will he survive that monumentous occasion? More importantly, who will win the afforementioned duel? READ THE BOOK AND FIND OUT! (no, Amazon did not hire me to sell their book, I did this originally as a school assignment) I highly recommend this historically accurate book to people who like history, adventure, or just plain good books. Also to people who HATE history, as a good way to gag it down.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History, Adventure, and Morality, December 10, 1999

By	John M. Miller "'Luddite'" (Plainfield, IN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: For the Temple, A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem (Works of G. A. Henty) (Library Binding)

Combining accounts from Josphus and the Old and New Testament, Henty weaves a tale of bravery set in the time between Christ's crucifiction and the destruction of the Temple. As with all Henty books, his hero is brave, honest, kind, and resourceful, modelling the best aspects of behavior. Highly recommended.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Temple, A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem (Works of G. A. Henty) (Library Binding)

"For the Temple" is so far my favorite of the G.A. Henty novels. Before I read this I knew almost nothing about the destruction of the Temple. Now I understand it clearly. The politics and different factions of the time period are described very well. You come away with a very good understanding of how all the events unfolded. Plus, the dialogue is not quite as lengthy as some of the other Henty novels. Worth reading.