King Jesus

King Jesus is a retelling of the Jesus story without the supernatural elements of the virgin birth, miracles, and resurrection. The fictional author of the story is Agabus the Decapolitan who is writing after the first Jewish-Roman war. During his childhood, Agabus saw Jesus at the blessing of the children. Now as an old man, he wishes to faithfully record the life of Jesus before the Gentile Christians erase certain facts from their scripture versions in order to convince the Romans that the Chrestians (as they are called) have nothing to do with Jewish nationalism. It doesn't make sense to say caution spoilers, the story does ends in crucifixion, but the why is another matter. As in the I Claudius novels, the Herod family play a very show more important part in the plot of the novel, as do Augustus and Livia.

Grave's version will make more sense if the reader reads the Historical Commentary first, although it is the last chapter of the book. In that chapter,Graves introduces his concept of iconotropy, the deliberate misinterpretation of a culture's icons and stories for political purposes. Without that knowledge, some of the book will not make any sense. show less

An interesting book, which paints a possible picture of the "true" story behind Jesus Christ. Interesting, but not riveting. In fact rather tedious in places. It took me a long time to get through it, because it is a mixture of story and erudite analysis and explanation. I would have enjoyed the book much more as pure story. The erudite parts would have been better reserved for a different book aimed at academia.

Published in 1946, undoubtedly raised hackles on some who would want a more conventional view of J.C. This book is Grave's own reconstruction of Jesus' life which he creates through rationality and serious belief. Grave's detailed knowledge of how the Roman Empire worked and where King Herod fit into the picture lends real credibility to the details which add plausibility to many of his hypotheses. RMB, CSBS

I was fascinated enough by the story to somehow get through this tome. (I'm not very good at understanding philosophy and theology.) Loved the plausibility of this version of the life of Jesus.

I fail to be convinced by his interpretation of various Biblical passages as revisionist explications of the icons of previous religions.

A compelling and constroverial alternate telling of the New Testament story. Ever wonder where Pantera the band got heir name? Read this...

Much like Paul Park's The Gospel of Corax, Graves pretty much disregards the gospels. Unlike Park's novel, this one presents a noble, transcendent leader whom - unfortunately - no one understands.

Like other works by Graves, this one was way over my head.