St Joseph of Arimathea

by Lionel Smithett Lewis

Reprinted by popular demand, this book tells the story of St Joseph of Arimathea and the legend of his journey to Britain as a metal merchant seeking tin. Tradition states that on this journey he was accompanied by none other than Jesus, who at this stage was a young boy. This title reveals the events of St Joseph's time at Glastonbury, and explores the legend behind this intriguing story. Britain is proverbially rich in monuments of the past, but of all the ancient places with outward and visible links with antiquity this little Somerset town is unique. For it is not only bestowed with visible evidences, wrought in stone, of generations long departed, but it is also steeped in fascinating legend and tradition. One of these later traditions states that Glastonbury was the very cradle of English Christianity, where an infant church was planted by those who personally knew Jesus. This is a truly fascinating and innovative perspective on the story of St Joseph of Arimathea, which promises to enthral the reader.

Table of Contents

Part I. Antiquity of Glastonbury and Origin of the National Church

Part Traditions
2. St. Joseph of Arimathea
3. Good King Lucius
4. Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin
5. Topical Support of the Traditions

Part Authorities
6. The Coming of the Disciples of Christ
7. The Coming of St. Joseph of Arimathea
8. The Coming of St. Philip to France
9. The Coming of St. Simon Zelotes
10. The Coming of Aristobulus
11. The Coming of St. Paul

Part Evidences
12. Early Missions from Britain
13. Early Fathers, Diocletian Persecution, Church Councils, and Pelagian Heresy
14. Conclusion

Appendices

212 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2004

Reviews

[Jared Pedroza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough read, because it reads like an appendix, with information presented in an informational manner, rather than as a narrative. Overall, a very thought provoking book, that gives some good references to continue exploring the history of Christianity in the British Isles.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A work of faith more than history, this little book collects the legends of Joseph's presence and other contributions to the case for the ancientness of Christainity in Britain. Most useful as a taste of its time (1920s).