What do you think?
Rate this book
A Doctor at Calvary: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ As Described by a Surgeon
What the Gospels don't reveal about Christ's suffering, science does. The Gospels reveal only the barest essentials about the physical sufferings of Our Lord. But in this mind-opening book, Dr. Pierre Barbet relies heavily on his close analysis of the Holy Shroud of Turin to recreate every stage of the Passion with heart-rending precision and detail. The a minor classic of spirituality by a modern layman. For Lenten meditation, this volume is unsurpassed. Dr. Barbet was a devout Catholic who knew the spiritual value of his findings - and he encouraged priests to use them in "It is largely with a view to these clerics that I have wished to divulge my ideas, so that they may nourish their devotion to Jesus crucified and may bring it out in their preaching."
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1950
94 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Pierre Barbet
2 books4 followersPierre Barbet (1884–1961) was a French physician, and the chief surgeon at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Paris.
By performing various experiments, Barbet introduced a set of theories on the crucifixion of Jesus.
In 1950 he wrote a long study called A Doctor at Calvary which was later published as a book. Barbet stated that his experience as a battlefield surgeon during World War I led him to conclude that the image on the Shroud of Turin was authentic, anatomically correct and consistent with crucifixion.
Ne pas confondre avec Pierre Barbet, docteur en pharmacie et auteur d'ouvrages de science-fiction. Not to be confused with the Pierre Barbet that was a doctor of pharmacy and author of science fiction works.
By performing various experiments, Barbet introduced a set of theories on the crucifixion of Jesus.
In 1950 he wrote a long study called A Doctor at Calvary which was later published as a book. Barbet stated that his experience as a battlefield surgeon during World War I led him to conclude that the image on the Shroud of Turin was authentic, anatomically correct and consistent with crucifixion.
Ne pas confondre avec Pierre Barbet, docteur en pharmacie et auteur d'ouvrages de science-fiction. Not to be confused with the Pierre Barbet that was a doctor of pharmacy and author of science fiction works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 8, 2022
This was a Roman Catholic book written by a Roman Catholic and approved by the Roman Catholic Church. It is loaded with dozens of untranslated Latin sentences and expressions. I simply anticipated a doctor's perspective of the crucifixion. Instead, it was a 12 chapter apologetic and defense of the so-called Holy Shroud (commonly called the Shroud of Turin). I did learn some interesting things from this book (hence the 2 stars) but wading through the author's biased opinion page after page was wearisome. I personally believe in the inerrant and sole authority of Scripture. Pierre Barbet's order of authority is succinctly outlined at the end of chapter 5. The author states, "We may then, in accordance with our experimental knowledge, with the shroud and with the Holy Scriptures, repeat after Our Lord, in the strictly anatomical sense, the words: '[untranslated Latin words],' and after David: '[more untranslated Latin Words]'." (120) His first authority is "science," followed by Catholic tradition (the shroud), and lastly the Scriptures. I recommend that you read chapter 12 with a handkerchief or tissue (it is very moving), and throw the rest of the book away.
March 10, 2008
This book by a French doctor, Pierre Barbet, is one of the best of its kind I've ever read. Dr. Barbet was a surgeon, and he describes in great detail, from his examination of the Shroud of Turin and from other historical sources, how Jesus Christ died on the cross. Because of his medical knowledge, he also believes that the Shroud is genuine--i.e., that it was not faked, since no painter could have done such a good job of getting the medical detail right. In addition, no medieval painter, at least, would have been willing to contradict the existing iconography, as the Shroud does. He brings up the point that, even though it clearly is the shroud of someone who was crucified, lots of people were crucified under Roman rule around that time. How do we know it's Jesus? The marks from the crown of thorns are there--and that was not a customary part of the punishment, but rather unique in Christ's case.
This book is full of just such fascinating detail, firmly placing the Lord's Passion in space and time and greatly enhancing one's understanding of the Christian faith.
This book is full of just such fascinating detail, firmly placing the Lord's Passion in space and time and greatly enhancing one's understanding of the Christian faith.
January 16, 2011
It was written over 70 years ago in an older style writing by a very respectful surgeon and is quite conducive to any interested in the Savior's experience whether they be medically inclined or not.
January 11, 2010
Valuable info about the Shroud of Turin.
April 20, 2025
A Doctor at Calvary is written in a very reverent fashion, displaying the utmost respect for Christ and His suffering. I’m not sure that the subject matter lends this book well to be “enjoyed” but it was certainly fruitful.
Dr. Barbet begins with a historical examination of crucifixion relying on archeological data, historical accounts, and the Gospels. He also spends a great deal of time examining the Holy Shroud of Turin and its authenticity. Much of his analyses of Jesus’ suffering uses evidence derived from the Shroud. However, at some points it felt as though the writing were more focused on emphasizing its reliability rather than describing what Jesus endured. Nevertheless, Dr. Barbet’s descriptions of Christ’s passion and His crucifixion made it worth the read. The final chapter provided a meditative approach to his findings which was exactly what I was hoping from this book.
Through it all, Dr. Barbet continuously emphasizes that “it was evident with what serene self-control, with what supreme dignity He dominated this Passion which was forseen and willed but Himself. He died because He willed it.”
*Warning: if you read this book, your likelihood of becoming a “crucifix snob” will drastically increase.
“O Jesus, You Who had no pity on Yourself, You Who are God, have pity on me who am a sinner.”
Dr. Barbet begins with a historical examination of crucifixion relying on archeological data, historical accounts, and the Gospels. He also spends a great deal of time examining the Holy Shroud of Turin and its authenticity. Much of his analyses of Jesus’ suffering uses evidence derived from the Shroud. However, at some points it felt as though the writing were more focused on emphasizing its reliability rather than describing what Jesus endured. Nevertheless, Dr. Barbet’s descriptions of Christ’s passion and His crucifixion made it worth the read. The final chapter provided a meditative approach to his findings which was exactly what I was hoping from this book.
Through it all, Dr. Barbet continuously emphasizes that “it was evident with what serene self-control, with what supreme dignity He dominated this Passion which was forseen and willed but Himself. He died because He willed it.”
*Warning: if you read this book, your likelihood of becoming a “crucifix snob” will drastically increase.
“O Jesus, You Who had no pity on Yourself, You Who are God, have pity on me who am a sinner.”
February 15, 2015
A well-written, well-researched book by a medical doctor about Christ's crucifixion, his injuries and probable cause of death.
Through various experiments...a number of which were performed on cadavers...Dr. Pierre Barbet tries to accurately map the injuries, the suffering(s) due to them, and attempts to logically determine areas of contention, such as the position of the nails as they were used to fix Christ to the Cross.
The book is based on a study Dr. Barbet published in 1950. The chief surgeon at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Paris, the good doctor presents a fairly compelling case.
Through various experiments...a number of which were performed on cadavers...Dr. Pierre Barbet tries to accurately map the injuries, the suffering(s) due to them, and attempts to logically determine areas of contention, such as the position of the nails as they were used to fix Christ to the Cross.
The book is based on a study Dr. Barbet published in 1950. The chief surgeon at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Paris, the good doctor presents a fairly compelling case.
April 4, 2015
This is a must read, at least some chapters, around the Good Friday. Pierre Barbet used his experience as surgeon during World War II to understand how Jesus Christ died.
April 11, 2021
While Dr. Barbet did some interesting anatomical work on the physiology of crucifixion, this book was mostly about the Shroud of Turin and so was disappointing. And, if you're going to write about the shroud in such detail, a detailed diagram or picture would have been nice.
April 23, 2014
Such a great book! This shows you the true horror of what our Lord Jesus Christ went through on Good Friday. Read it during Holy Week before contemplative prayer.
May 12, 2023
This is one of the best researched pieces of scientific literature I have ever read. Some condemn the book for having “untranslated Latin sentences throughout each chapter” which they argue reduces the author’s reliability. I must say this is a poor reflection on these people’s education; the importance of original sourcing and texts (in their original language) was greatly emphasized throughout my education. I would also argue that this demonstrates a very lazy reader, something the author actually warns against. On the contrary, these quotations are testimony to how thoughtful and well-researched the author is. Indeed, the work includes MANY direct quotations in Latin from St. Jerome’s Vulgate as well as historical texts such as those written by Livy, Cicero, Plutarch, Tertullian, etc. If one actually reads the book, one will find that these quotes are frequently accompanied by legitimate translations such as those found in the Douhy Reims Bible, as well as Msg. Knox’s most reliable translation and other notable translators and historians. These quotes are present because the author understands the importance of looking to the history of Roman Crucifixion as well as the details relayed in the Gospels for confirming the authenticity of the shroud; he does not rely solely on his own scientific findings, a mistake that is all too often made by the “scientists” of today.
This author has a profound humility that is demonstrated throughout the whole book, relying just as heavily on the works (both contradictory and in agreement with his findings) of his contemporaries as on his own. He brings up points and issues on the torture Our Lord endured during His crucifixion that the average person would never know about, and this provides one with material for the most moving meditations. Additionally, the author provides his own most solemn and mournful meditation at the end of the book that references his findings detailed in previous chapters, cementing in one’s imaginations the evils Our Savior Meekly and Willingly endured for our own sins. It is a book every adult Catholic should read and every priest should preach about.
This author has a profound humility that is demonstrated throughout the whole book, relying just as heavily on the works (both contradictory and in agreement with his findings) of his contemporaries as on his own. He brings up points and issues on the torture Our Lord endured during His crucifixion that the average person would never know about, and this provides one with material for the most moving meditations. Additionally, the author provides his own most solemn and mournful meditation at the end of the book that references his findings detailed in previous chapters, cementing in one’s imaginations the evils Our Savior Meekly and Willingly endured for our own sins. It is a book every adult Catholic should read and every priest should preach about.
March 16, 2023
Livro bom, eminentemente técnico sobre a Paixão de Cristo, contemplando inúmeros detalhes arqueológicos, de exegese para tentar entender com mais fidedignidade detalhes como o tipo da Cruz que Cristo carregou, quantidade de cravos, etc, para chegar a uma análise mais profunda do Santo Sudário.
Uma informação interessante, que não tinha me tocado, é que Jesus aparentemente foi mesmo crucificado completamente nu, de acordo em especial com as opiniões dos Santos Padres, mas que nunca houve coragem dos artistas em fazer uma pintura que O retratasse dessa forma, enquanto isso, o Sudário, que alguns alegam ser falso, seria então a única "pintura" que teria sido falsificada com essa novidade? Já que Jesus está completamente nu na mortalha.
O autor segue com muitas análises de anatomia, sobre coagulação do sangue, tetania e asfixia, explicando alguns dos pontos achados no Sudário que corroboram com os experimentos do cirurgião, que chegou a crucificar alguns cadáveres, pregar cravos neles, etc.
Em resumo, pelas conclusões do autor, Jesus foi crucificado nu, foi pregado 2 cravos no espaço entre as duas fileiras de ossos do carpo, e não diretamente na palma da mão, e no pé bastou um cravo para os dois pés.
Achei que o livro iria analisar um pouco mais a fundo o Sudário, que fosse para apontar visualmente os pontos que ele se referia ao longo do texto, mas acabou sendo descritivo textualmente apenas.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 6 horas
Uma informação interessante, que não tinha me tocado, é que Jesus aparentemente foi mesmo crucificado completamente nu, de acordo em especial com as opiniões dos Santos Padres, mas que nunca houve coragem dos artistas em fazer uma pintura que O retratasse dessa forma, enquanto isso, o Sudário, que alguns alegam ser falso, seria então a única "pintura" que teria sido falsificada com essa novidade? Já que Jesus está completamente nu na mortalha.
O autor segue com muitas análises de anatomia, sobre coagulação do sangue, tetania e asfixia, explicando alguns dos pontos achados no Sudário que corroboram com os experimentos do cirurgião, que chegou a crucificar alguns cadáveres, pregar cravos neles, etc.
Em resumo, pelas conclusões do autor, Jesus foi crucificado nu, foi pregado 2 cravos no espaço entre as duas fileiras de ossos do carpo, e não diretamente na palma da mão, e no pé bastou um cravo para os dois pés.
Achei que o livro iria analisar um pouco mais a fundo o Sudário, que fosse para apontar visualmente os pontos que ele se referia ao longo do texto, mas acabou sendo descritivo textualmente apenas.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 6 horas
November 13, 2020
Written almost a hundred years ago, this doctor makes a case for the Shroud of Turin as historical evidence of the death and burial of Jesus Christ. It explains in detail by use of many experiments and his own expertise as a surgeon, all the reasons why the Shroud of Turin could not possibly be a fraud. It's fascinating and gave me more appreciation for the suffering endured by my Savior, Jesus Christ. It isn't just about his torture and death, but also about the times he lived in . It's fascinating, but for me, slow moving. You can't read it quickly like a novel. But it's so worth the effort. Photos of the shroud are fascinating as are closeups of his hands and feet.
August 12, 2023
While the beginning may seem to hit the same points repeated, the combination of Scriptural and medical data makes for a fascinating read. Dr. Barbet uses the Shroud of Turin as the basis for his analysis and I do not know how well these examinations have stood the test of time, or if there is better analysis available in the 50+ years since his writing.
All that said, the book concludes with a detailed meditation of our Lord's Passion including the medical conditions explained in the previous parts of the book which makes for great prayer material.
All that said, the book concludes with a detailed meditation of our Lord's Passion including the medical conditions explained in the previous parts of the book which makes for great prayer material.
April 5, 2024
From the inside cover “…a profoundly moving study of the Passion.” Commonwealth
The medical opinion and arguments of Pierre Barbet M.D. are based on the Shroud of Turin. A moving and medically convincing study. This served me well during lent for reading in depth on the passion.
The medical opinion and arguments of Pierre Barbet M.D. are based on the Shroud of Turin. A moving and medically convincing study. This served me well during lent for reading in depth on the passion.
April 1, 2025
Magnificent
While continued research has called into question a few of his findings, his work paved the way. It is a magnificent body of research well worth studying. Further it offers a fantastic meditation on the work of Christ, perhaps the best written.
While continued research has called into question a few of his findings, his work paved the way. It is a magnificent body of research well worth studying. Further it offers a fantastic meditation on the work of Christ, perhaps the best written.
February 22, 2024
Difficult
This book is wonderful! Opened my eyes to the pain Jesus suffered.as I never knew. Changed me for the better.
This book is wonderful! Opened my eyes to the pain Jesus suffered.as I never knew. Changed me for the better.
Read
February 12, 2025This was so interesting!
May 31, 2025
Uma leitura impactante!
April 18, 2025
An excellent book, and perhaps a classic of the twentieth century. It is controversial, because the surgeon (for example) speaks of the crucified Christ having His arms nailed through the wrist, breaking every previous tradition. So, he's not averse to challenging centuries of assumption, which is I think good on a self-proclaimed scientist. He wants to be sceptical about the Holy Shroud of Turin, when from the moment he saw the impressions of the clotted blood on that shroud he was already convinced that there had at least been within it some crucified man who was crowned with a painful device and was speared in the side (as describe the Christian gospels).
What I like about the book, though, is its honesty and its profound Catholicism. I would like to read more books written by Catholic scientists who are not afraid of being publicly devout. The more recent, the better.
I recommend it. If you're anti-Catholic, or anti-Christian, you're not going to like it. But it will do you good nevertheless.
What I like about the book, though, is its honesty and its profound Catholicism. I would like to read more books written by Catholic scientists who are not afraid of being publicly devout. The more recent, the better.
I recommend it. If you're anti-Catholic, or anti-Christian, you're not going to like it. But it will do you good nevertheless.
June 4, 2023
You will never look at the events in Christ’s Passion the same after reading this profoundly moving yet scientific/ medical explanation.
April 1, 2023
He terminado de leer el libro justo antes de iniciar la Semana Santa. Es un libro escrito en 1949, aunque la mayor parte del mismo corresponde a diversos artículos publicados por el autor entre los años 1933 y 1948. Todos los artículos sobre las distintas llagas de Jesucristo provocadas durante la Pasión.
El libro aporta un caudal de datos, obtenidos de la Sábana Santa generando un estudio médico, objetivo, profundo y con rigor científico. El Dr. Barbet llegó a realizar varias pruebas con cadáveres para corroborar los datos aportados por la Sidone.
El espíritu científico del autor, en varias ocasiones muestra en el libro su interés por tener una descripción detallada de crueldad de la pasión y todo esto para enriquecer su devoción cristiana.
Es un libro que hay estar familiarizado con términos anatómicos para poder comprender en su máxima expresión el alcance de su investigación.
Los resultados son evidentes. La Sábana Santa es el lienzo que cubrió el cuerpo de nuestro Señor Jesucristo momentos después de su muerte y es una evidencia real de todo lo contenido en los evangelios donde narran la Pasión, muerte y Resurrección de nuestro Señor.
Creo que es un libro más para aquellos que estén interesados en tener pruebas científicas de la reliquia de nuestro Señor, aunque también ayuda a la piedad, y mucho.
El libro aporta un caudal de datos, obtenidos de la Sábana Santa generando un estudio médico, objetivo, profundo y con rigor científico. El Dr. Barbet llegó a realizar varias pruebas con cadáveres para corroborar los datos aportados por la Sidone.
El espíritu científico del autor, en varias ocasiones muestra en el libro su interés por tener una descripción detallada de crueldad de la pasión y todo esto para enriquecer su devoción cristiana.
Es un libro que hay estar familiarizado con términos anatómicos para poder comprender en su máxima expresión el alcance de su investigación.
Los resultados son evidentes. La Sábana Santa es el lienzo que cubrió el cuerpo de nuestro Señor Jesucristo momentos después de su muerte y es una evidencia real de todo lo contenido en los evangelios donde narran la Pasión, muerte y Resurrección de nuestro Señor.
Creo que es un libro más para aquellos que estén interesados en tener pruebas científicas de la reliquia de nuestro Señor, aunque también ayuda a la piedad, y mucho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
I first read this 50+ years ago in paperback, and just finished the eBook. It impressed me way back then and still does. I gave it only four stars because I didn't remember or realize what a defense of the shroud of Turin it was. It doesn't matter whether the shroud is really the actual shroud of Jesus of Nazareth or not. That's an individual matter of faith because it is unlikely ever to be proven one way or another. But as a Christian I always wondered what crucifixion was really all about because the statues and paintings looked to clean and majestic to be much about torture. This book will teach you what was so inhuman about that manner of death. Even if new things to medical science make this book a little less accurate. I don't think it does, other than some of the vocabulary seems outdated, but I am not an MD so that's a guess.
December 16, 2014
Um livro marcante, em que pude saber aos olhos da ciência como ocorreu a morte de Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo.
April 18, 2019
It's been so long since I've read it that I couldn't write a review now, but I was very impressed with the book.
Read
April 21, 2021enlightening but graphic. I read a bit and then found it necessary to put it down and think about what I had read. Often difficult to read but needed to understand even more what Jesus suffered.
March 28, 2023
compelling
Leaves you without doubt that the shroud is authentic. The authors mediation at the end is powerful, and brings you to tears.
Leaves you without doubt that the shroud is authentic. The authors mediation at the end is powerful, and brings you to tears.
Read
July 16, 2009too technical for me. eh, sounded good, but just couldnt get through it. :(
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews