book data
174 ratings, 4.13 average rating, 27 reviews
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published
April 2006
by Loyola Press
binding
Paperback, 820 pages
isbn
0829423508
(isbn13: 9780829423501)
description
The Silver Chalice recounts the story of Basil, a young silversmith, who is commissioned by the apostle Luke to fashion a holder for the cup Je...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 230)
I had never heard of this book until I went to a homeschool bookstore and saw it on the shelves. The back said something about it being a classic, and that immediately caught my attention.
The entire book reminded me of Ben-Hur, just at a later time period. It is set quite a few years after the death of Jesus on the cross, and tells the story of a young man named Basil. He, just like Ben-Hur, is sold as a slave and looses his house, lands, and properties. One thing that Basil does have is...more
The entire book reminded me of Ben-Hur, just at a later time period. It is set quite a few years after the death of Jesus on the cross, and tells the story of a young man named Basil. He, just like Ben-Hur, is sold as a slave and looses his house, lands, and properties. One thing that Basil does have is...more
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Historical fiction classic with strong religious themes: normally this is something that would make me run away screaming, but this book was a great read. It's extremely similar in places to "Ben Hur". In both books, the main character is a well-to-do citizen who has everything taken away, and is then sold into slavery. But this story has more than just the quest to recover his live. Basil is a trained silversmith, and when he's rescued by the disciple Luke, he's charged with creating ...more
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Read in May, 2008
If you want to learn about history from a master, pick up any book by Costain. I was hooked on him while in high school, and started re-reading his books again. This book is about the time after the crucifixtion of Jesus, when most of the apostles are still around, at the beginnings of the church of Christ. Costain writes like he was there. The apostles are shown as human and with faults, which makes it all the more impactful. He may take liberties, but what historian doesn't?! To read abo...more
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This book is an unusual historical novel that I first read over 40 years ago.
The Silver Chalice follows the life of Basil from a poor family background in Antioch to the vestiges of Nero, the Emperor of Rome and a final effort to make a silver chalice from the cup Jesus drank from prior to his crucifixion. The novel is packed full of historical references but always keeps the focus on Basil, his beautiful wife Deborra and familiar names in early Christian history. I am amazed that I could en...more
The Silver Chalice follows the life of Basil from a poor family background in Antioch to the vestiges of Nero, the Emperor of Rome and a final effort to make a silver chalice from the cup Jesus drank from prior to his crucifixion. The novel is packed full of historical references but always keeps the focus on Basil, his beautiful wife Deborra and familiar names in early Christian history. I am amazed that I could en...more
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Read in May, 1984
recommended to Susie by:
facebook_1422571855@goodreads.com
Excellent read! Thomas B. Costain delves into historical novels and adds a touch of romance along the way. This book depicts the times of which it was written about woven around the silver chalice made to hold the cup Christ used at the Last Supper. Many factions are trying to find and destroy the cup but Costain makes this interesting and at the same time an intense read. In each of his books he also adds his touch of romance. I would suggest reading it because of the fine writing and his dedic...more
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Read in January, 1992
My grandmother recommended this book to me many years ago and I am going to have to visit it again soon. She graduated from LSU in 1933 and was an avid reader and high school English teacher. Even though she probably recommended many books to me when I was young for some reason I remember this one. She also bought my first serious book for me (The Fellowship of the Ring)and I am forever in her debt for encouraging a lifetime of reading.
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recommends it for:
adult
Follows the life of an artistic boy in the time just following Christ. He begins life as a poor village boy, adopted by a rich man, claimed as a slave by a relative of his "father," and more twists of fate. He is given the commission to create a last supper scene for the "Holy Grail" and meets the apostles.
Wonderfully written.
Wonderfully written.
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Read in January, 1982
recommends it for:
Anyone
A story somewhat along the lines of 'The Robe'. Same time period, politics, love story and all that. Different story, though, essentially. I enjoyed it. Follows Biblical times and interjects some Biblical characters.
I like the way Costain writes. Old time, but thorough, great character building, good story teller.
I like the way Costain writes. Old time, but thorough, great character building, good story teller.
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The Silver Chalice recounts the story of Basil, a young silversmith, who is commissioned by the apostle Luke to fashion a holder for the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. The Silver Chalice was the best-selling fiction title of 1953 in the United States.
I loved it.
I loved it.
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Read in January, 2006
recommended to Angela by:
My Book Clubrecommends it for: Anyone
I liked this one, kind of slow, but it has an interesting story. It's a story weaved around the cup Christ used at the last supper and trying to protect it and the testimonies of followers and of those who are gaining testimony. Liked it.
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Most probably not great literature -- possibly even mediocre writing. I only know this story resonnated very deeply with me and I've read it several times over my lifetime since first encountering it in my teens. So to me it ranks as amazing.
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Read in March, 2007
I read Costain for a long time, but never this one. The new edition is a door-stop, but his prose lilts and hypnotizes the reader. Check our "The Tontine" too.
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I was curious about Costain and I found a cheap original copy. I do wonder what my Jewish reaction to this supposedly Christian book will be.
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I read this back in the late seventies. I remember it as being pretty much the same as "The Robe," "Quo Vadis," and "Ben-Hur."
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This was a great book. Religious fiction tends to be light on the writing quality but this book was great in nearly every way.
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Read in October, 2008
I enjoyed this a lot. An older classic, it has it all - love, hate, greed, selfelssness in a very exciting time period.
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Read in April, 1984
A fictionalized story about the making of a silver chalice to hold the cup used by Christ during the Last Supper.
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An historical fictional novel that has an interesting plot with plausible characters and events.
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Read in January, 2005
This book really made me think about the Savior and his Disciples in a different light. I enjoyed it.
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Read in January, 2008
Great view of the early church and very moving conversion story. One of Costain's best!
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