Christian Era: Famous People and the Era

Author: (American) Will Durant
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Around the fifteenth year or slightly later of Emperor Tiberius's reign, Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, and Jesus was about thirty years old at that time. After John was imprisoned, Jesus took over his work and began to preach the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. There is no play in human history more than this one: a few Christians suffered persecution and humiliation from several emperors, yet they remained steadfast, enduring silently, confronting force with words, and opposing cruelty with hope, finally defeating the most powerful Roman Empire in history. Therefore, Tertullian said, "The blood of martyrs is like seeds." This book is adapted from the relevant content of Will Durant's renowned work, The Story of Civilization, Volume III. Written in clear, fluent language and with a novel and unique style, it depicts the era named after Caesar. It is not just a history book, but a life story and history of thought filled with wisdom and personal insights. The author, taking the stance of "seeing others as oneself," strives to make this "Roman history" a "telling of our own history," a "history of our own struggles," and a "foreshadowing of our future work." The New York Times called this book a "highly recommended good book," The New Yorker believed it possessed "a keen appreciation for this great era," The American described it as "stylistically unique," and Library Journal praised it as "stylish and witty."