'This vividly compelling account of how Christianity rose triumphant from the religious and civil tumults of its earliest days is a must read. The comparisons with the other state and imperial religions of the day, from Rome to China and all in-between, are recounted with a cinematographic force that brings that epoch astonishingly and informatively to life. No-one should be allowed to lay claim to Christian or indeed any religious faith who has not read this book first, and meditated on its import. It lays the facts bare, unsparingly and with a sharp eye; and the facts speak very loudly for themselves.' A C Grayling 'This is a dazzling, dizzying, compelling panorama of the world that Jesus knew and the worlds he had never heard of. Selina O'Grady shows us the overall map of what were really a series of interlocking but very distinct worlds... which come alive with her remarkable command of detail... It is a remarkable book... I cannot think of anyone who will not learn a huge amount from reading this book.' Tablet 'In her sweeping account of relations between faith and power at the dawn of the Christian era, Selina O'Grady presents the political uses of pagan religion, set amid all the luxury and decadence of Roman life, with great relish and descriptive power... The result is an enjoyable, informative romp through the subject of comparative religion... With accomplished journalistic flair, she posits answers with far greater confidence than any academic, choking on footnotes, could muster.' Economist 'A masterful narrative, clearly told, with great panache, insight and humour. It should be required reading for anyone, Christian or otherwise, who has an interest in the historical context in which the 'mystery cult of Yaweh' became one of the dominant forces in the world.' Independent 'The evocative detail is excellent... Entertaining.' The Sunday Times
