The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A classic
  • Not even the world's greatest detective could deduce the horror of the holocaust
  • THIS ONE IS FOR THE BIRDS
  • So Wanted To Love It!
  • Intelligent whodunit
The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.)
Michael Chabon
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Chabon, MichaelChabon, Michael | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
HistoricalHistorical | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel
  2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
  3. Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.) Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.)
  4. Wonder Boys: A Novel Wonder Boys: A Novel
  5. Summerland Summerland

ASIN: 0060777109
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

Retired to the English countryside, an eighty-nine-year-old man, rumored to be a once-famous detective, is more concerned with his beekeeping than with his fellow man. Into his life wanders Linus Steinman, nine years old and mute, who has escaped from Nazi Germany with his sole companion: an African gray parrot.

What is the meaning of the mysterious strings of German numbers the bird spews out -- a top-secret SS code? The keys to a series of Swiss bank accounts? Or do they hold a significance both more prosaic and far more sinister?

Though the solution may be beyond even the reach of the once-famous sleuth, the true story of the boy and his parrot is subtly revealed in a wrenching resolution.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A classic.......2007-09-24

Wow! While on a long trip, I listened to this book on a CD. Narrated by Michael York, perhaps it was the accent that brought the story and the language alive to me. What grabbed me was not the promise of the detective story or the tantalizing title, but just the pure beauty of the language. To think, he is an American, writing a story set in 1944 in England. Chabon writes like a natural born Englishman, not missing a beat. The book however is just too short, and that is the only complaint I have. It did feel as if my CD was abridged in places, but of course it wasn't.

The book made me go out a buy a First edition of this book, its a keeper.
Chabon is a master.

5 out of 5 stars Not even the world's greatest detective could deduce the horror of the holocaust.......2007-09-03

This is an intriguing mystery story written as a tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. It is filled with strange and dramatic elements; a murder and a talking animal, a mute child and government intrigue. The protagonist is Sherlock Holmes himself, retired in old age and drawn out, in the summer of 1944, for one last investigation. And the protagonist is also a parrot, lately owned by a German Jew whose small son is the only family member to have escaped to Britain.

The parrot recites strings of numbers. Over and over again. As a modern reader, you know exactly what those numbers are from the very beginning, and when we learn that the British government is seeking out the parrot because they think it knows the keys to the German naval cipher it is almost enough to make you despair. Doesn't anybody know what's going on, what's happening at that very moment in Buchanwald and dozens of other camps?

It seems that nobody does, but Holmes, from the first, is intrigued by the numbers the parrot recites. We are reminded that this is the man who is fond of saying "When you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." If anyone is capable of penetrating to the improbable truth of the concentration camps it would be Sherlock Holmes.

But in the end even the greatest mind in the history of detection can't unravel this particular mystery. The cruelty involved is so large that even Holmes' jaded and cynical expectations are exceeded. The motivation is so incomprehensible that even his logic cannot deduce it. By the end he knows that something has gone undiscovered, but he cannot quite make the leap into madness needed to make the final prediction.

I am not, in general, a subtle person, and I don't enjoy books that are as much subtext as story. It is a very rare book that can tell two stories: one within the plot and the other created by the reactions of the reader to the book. But in this case Michael Chabon has produced a subtle and worthwhile book that twists what I expected from a mystery story to produce rage and despair at things missed and deeds done.

1 out of 5 stars THIS ONE IS FOR THE BIRDS.......2007-09-02

My taste for "literary masterpieces" must be lacking. This homage was a mish-mash that probably has Arthur Conan Doyle turning over in his grave. Chabon submerges the reader in a clutter of virtually inconsequential "clues", characters that are limp and colorless, and a murder and a mystery that can only be characterized as run-of-the-mill. An 89 year old Sherlock Holmes, possessing limited mental capabilities, should not have wasted the precious little time left in his life attempting to resolve this mess when he could be tending his bees.

The only positive aspect of this tale was the chapter devoted to the grey parrot, Bruno. His thoughts and feelings as he attempted to escape his captor was the only inventive and refreshing part of the book, and presented this feathered fowl as more "human" and more intelligent, by far, than his mortal counterparts.

The solution to the birds utterances of strings of numbers is elementary my dear Watson.......after all it is WWII and the boy & his bird have escaped from Nazi Germany.

My final solution: Four stars for Bruno, one for the rest of the cast.

1 out of 5 stars So Wanted To Love It!.......2007-08-21

What a disappointment. This book misses every mark it tries to make. A humdrum read and puny mystery unworthy of N. Drew let alone S. Holmes. Plodded through it on the hope that the final pages would make it all worthwhile; they didn't. If you are looking for an engrossing read and crackerjack mystery, don't choose this one.

5 out of 5 stars Intelligent whodunit.......2007-08-13

This was a very good book, and because it is not very long, easy to finish in no time. Wished it had continued on because I enjoyed it so much. It was clever, and if you like Sherlock Holmes, you will like this book. I finished it with a smile on my face. Definitely recommend it.
Michael Chabon's manipulated final solution.(Book Review) : An article from: Midstream
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Michael Chabon's manipulated final solution.(Book Review) : An article from: Midstream
    Julia Braun Kessler
    Manufacturer: Theodor Herzl Foundation
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Digital
    ASIN: B000ALU70W
    Release Date: 2005-07-25

    Book Description

    This digital document is an article from Midstream, published by Theodor Herzl Foundation on May 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1478 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

    Citation Details
    Title: Michael Chabon's manipulated final solution.(Book Review)
    Author: Julia Braun Kessler
    Publication: Midstream (Magazine/Journal)
    Date: May 1, 2005
    Publisher: Theodor Herzl Foundation
    Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Page: 35(2)

    Article Type: Book Review

    Distributed by Thomson Gale
    FINAL SOLUTION : A STORY OF DETECTION
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      FINAL SOLUTION : A STORY OF DETECTION
      MICHAEL CHABON
      Manufacturer: HARPER COLLINS TRADE DIVISION
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000KUJFJW
      Final Solution a Story of Detection
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Final Solution a Story of Detection
        Michael Chabon
        Manufacturer: 4TH ESTATE
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000U2BENA
        The Final Solution CD: A Story of Detection
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Final Solution CD: A Story of Detection
          Michael Chabon
          Manufacturer: HarperAudio
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback
          ASIN: B000OF412Y
          Final Solution: A Story of Detection
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Final Solution: A Story of Detection
            Michael Chabon
            Manufacturer: FOURTH ESTATE
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000OKH6G2
            The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.)
              Michael Chabon
              Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: B000OERYP6
              The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear) (Volume 3)
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear) (Volume 3)

                Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Doyle, Arthur Conan | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
                PaperbackPaperback | Doyle, Arthur Conan | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
                ASIN: B000BC820C

                Product Description

                Starred Review. Eminent attorney and Sherlockian Klinger completes the daunting mission he began with 2004's two volumes examining the original 56 short stories to feature the great detective with this robust third book containing the four Holmes novels. All the gifts that netted Klinger an Edgar Award for best critical/biographical work are again in evidence: clear definitions of obscure terms, pithy discussions of some of the issues that have puzzled and delighted Holmes fans for generations (where exactly was Watson wounded?) and lucid essays (which legend inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles?). Klinger manages the difficult feat of appealing both to those new to the world of Sherlockian scholarship and to those who can quote the stories like gospel. Ample use of illustrations, some from the novels' original appearances, adds to the enjoyment. A must-have for any serious mystery fan, this edition will stand as the benchmark for generations to come. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air A feast for any fans of the greatest detective who ever stalked the earth.

                Love Wild and Fair
                Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                • Utter Drivel
                • Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
                • Disappointment
                • Couldn't Put it Down
                • Not a fuzzy ,warm makes you tingle isnside kind of book
                Love Wild and Fair
                Bertrice Small
                Manufacturer: Avon
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback

                Small, BertriceSmall, Bertrice | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
                ( S )( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Steel, Danielle
                GeneralGeneral | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. The Kadin The Kadin
                2. Unconquered Unconquered
                3. The Love Slave The Love Slave
                4. Hellion Hellion
                5. Lost Love Found Lost Love Found

                Accessories:
                1. philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

                ASIN: 0380400308

                Book Description

                A Love For All Time

                She is Catriona, Countess
                of Glenkirk, the dazzling green-eyed beauty
                whose silken sensuality fires the passion of men's
                very souls -- making her a pawn in a dangerous game
                of royal intrigue. wife to a count, unwilling mistress to the
                king, she has the undying live of the most courageous lord
                in all of scotland. . .

                He is Francis, Earl of Bothwell, who defies his king to possess the woman he loves. Theirs is a romance in the grand tradition of bestselling author Beatrice Small -- and epic tale of love and betrayal that sweeps from the snowy Scottish highlands through the glittering palaces of Europe and exotic pleasures domes of Constantinople to find its magnificent conclusion inthe exquisite fulfillment of love's most passionate desires.

                Customer Reviews:

                1 out of 5 stars Utter Drivel.......2007-10-09

                This book was terrible. I read it because a friend was raving about it. I read every word of that horrible book. There were historical inaccuracies, the book dragged and dragged and dragged its main "heroine" through a series of unbelievable and unnecessary rapes and tortures. It was complete and utter crap. Cat was an annoyance, Bothwell wasn't likeable, and the conversations in "brogue" were just obnoxious. Overall, a true waste of my time.

                2 out of 5 stars Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!.......2007-08-26

                My second Bertrice Small book read, and this one threw me over a cliff. The main character Cat, had me so fustrated in her choices that it left little sympathy for what she suffers.The male characters deserved even less.
                What a mess. It was full of lot of sex, and little else. I advise one get this book from the library , instead of paying for it otherwise it would be a poor choice of monies well spent.
                N.

                1 out of 5 stars Disappointment.......2007-08-15

                I did not in any way enjoy this book and that is very sad. When I got to the point where she gave birth to Frances, that was the end of it... i just read the bits about Cyra Hafise and read the epilogue... It just got too boring at one point and I forced myself to continue reading it. I was ecstatic when I read about Cyra and so forth... otherwise Catriona was very annoying.

                5 out of 5 stars Couldn't Put it Down.......2006-11-03

                I read The Kadin about 6 months ago and it was my first Beatrice Small novel. Well, I loved that book and couldn't read it fast enough. As a matter of fact I read it twice. While looking through my stack of books to be read, I was surprised and thrilled to find that I had this book and didn't even realize it. And when I found out that not only was it by an author that I enjoy, but it was a sort of a sequel to a book that I loved, I dove right in. From page one, I couldn't put the book down. I stayed up late to read it. I hid in my locked bedroom while my children played to read.

                This story is about the great grand-daughter of the main character in The Kadin (read that one first). I was happy to revisit some places from that book and some people as well. Cat, the main character, is a very strong-willed woman. I liked her. She knew what she wanted and would not take no for an answer. She was very daring for her times. She is dealt a tough blow more than once but she comes out alright. Except in the end when she has taken all that she can. But, once a again she makes it through and she survives.

                I read some of the other reviews, and some people mentioned the amount of rape in this book. It's true that it happens alot. But, i think it was also a sign of the times, unfortunately. There is one time in the book when one woman mentions her rape experience and that she moved on from it. It is a small part, but it helps Cat.

                Also, I agree that Frances, despite his love for Cat, goes out to sleep with other women and that is a part that I don't like. But, honestly, I never even thought about it until I read it here.

                I definitely did not know how the book would end. I was surprised that it ended the way it did. It kept my attention from page one until the last word. Now that I have finished it, I miss Cat and will probably read it again.

                3 out of 5 stars Not a fuzzy ,warm makes you tingle isnside kind of book.......2005-05-31

                This is my first Bertrice Small book and I must say it isn't for the women who tend to like loving caring men who treat their women like gold.Do not get me wrong I liked this book but with all the reviews I read about this book including the 1 stars I wasn't warned (enough) and I think I should include everything good including the bad if you are not familiar with this author.
                Catriona is a strong willed woman who tends to be treated like a piece of meat. If you do not like (bodice ripper) type of books do not read it. This poor girl must of got raped at least 15 times!!Also Bertrice uses very crude language in the book like Fu**, Ti**, and Co**, a lot.But what really bothered me about this book was Bertrice language like Ye,wi'out,yer, drove me insane. The words are pronounce you, without and your and in my mind I was trying to read the words correctly rather the way she spelled them..

                Okay Cat was a strong person in the beginning but in all reality towards the end she was really broken down towards all the men in her life.Personally I am surprize she didn't try to commit sucide.. Patrick which is her husband in the beginning treats her like a piece of property rather than a person. I liked him up to the part he rapes her all night with that pig of a king James.The king is a pig and I hated him more than ever also she was a slave and with that guy forgot his name treated her like a animal when it came to sex, (Cats words).Francis I believe she really loved I won't get into for those of you who wants to read the book..The sex scenes if I had to rate them between rated R or NC17 it will be NC17, most definitely!!!
                The Kadin; Love Wild and Fair
                Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                • Fantastically Romantic as well as Fasinating
                The Kadin; Love Wild and Fair
                Bertrice Small
                Manufacturer: Rhapsody
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover

                Small, BertriceSmall, Bertrice | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. Philippa (Friarsgate Inheritance, Book 3) (Signet Eclipse) Philippa (Friarsgate Inheritance, Book 3) (Signet Eclipse)
                2. A Distant Tomorrow (World of Hetar) A Distant Tomorrow (World of Hetar)
                3. Until You (Friarsgate Inheritance, Book 2) (Signet Eclipse) Until You (Friarsgate Inheritance, Book 2) (Signet Eclipse)

                ASIN: 1582880832

                Product Description

                2-in-1 reprint edition. Historical romantic fiction.

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars Fantastically Romantic as well as Fasinating.......2007-07-16

                I have just finished reading The Kadin. I really enjoyed this book. I am a lover of historic fiction and found it to be very acurate in its portale of 15th century middle east and europe. I hope if you read it because of this review that you enjoy it as much as I did.
                Love Wild and Fair
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Love Wild and Fair
                  Bertrice Small
                  Manufacturer: Avon
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback
                  ASIN: B000O6IPUW
                  Love Wild and Fair
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    Love Wild and Fair

                    Manufacturer: Avon Books
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                    ASIN: B000HQ79HO
                    COMPLETE Cyra Hafisa Duology: (1) The Kadin; (2) Love Wild and Fair (Set of 2)
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      COMPLETE Cyra Hafisa Duology: (1) The Kadin; (2) Love Wild and Fair (Set of 2)
                      Bertrice Small
                      Manufacturer: Avon
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      ScotlandScotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
                      Small, BertriceSmall, Bertrice | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
                      ASIN: B000TT2DQG
                      Love Wild and Fair
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Love Wild and Fair
                        Bertrice Small
                        Manufacturer: Avon Books
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback
                        ASIN: B000U0HEQS

                        Star Wars Tales, Vol. 3
                        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                        • TALE Spin
                        • Star Wars Tales #3 incredible
                        • GREAT COMIC - POORLY BOUND
                        • 3.5 star rounded to 4, Find this by its ISBN.
                        Star Wars Tales, Vol. 3
                        Various
                        Manufacturer: Dark Horse
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        Science FictionScience Fiction | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        Dark HorseDark Horse | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        Star WarsStar Wars | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
                        ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                        Star WarsStar Wars | Media Series | Series | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                        Similar Items:
                        1. Star Wars Tales, Vol. 4 Star Wars Tales, Vol. 4
                        2. Star Wars Tales, Vol. 2 Star Wars Tales, Vol. 2
                        3. Star Wars Tales, Vol. 1 Star Wars Tales, Vol. 1
                        4. Star Wars Tales, Vol. 5 Star Wars Tales, Vol. 5
                        5. Star Wars Tales, Vol. 6 (Star Wars Tales) Star Wars Tales, Vol. 6 (Star Wars Tales)

                        ASIN: 1569718369

                        Book Description

                        Collecting issues nine through twelve of the quarterly anthology smash sensation! Star Wars Tales Volume 3 features the thrilling Vader versus Maul story "Resurrection" as well as comics sensation Garth Ennis' take on the life of a Stormtrooper in the riviting "Trooper." Tales has explored every corner of the Star Wars galaxy and kept readers coming back for more! Collected for the first time into one prestigous volume, Star Wars Tales Volume 3 is sure to delight fans both young and old!

                        Customer Reviews:

                        5 out of 5 stars TALE Spin.......2006-10-23

                        It's really unfair -- in many respects -- to call these 'tales.' Most of these stories -- spanning across all possible timeframes of the Star Wars universe -- are little vignettes: the 224-page collection clocks in somewhere between 20-25 separate stories, so they're not in-depth character pieces ... but they're truly thrilling reads!

                        I picked this one up from the local comic book shop essentially on the recommendation of the other reviews 'round Amazon and some of the other boards I frequent. I understood that this was a collection from the popular 'Star Wars Tales' comic book, and, prefering to collect trade paperbacks for the simple fact that I get through it easier in one or two sittings than I do individual issues any more, I was a bit suspicious. However, these wonderful vignettes are incredibly relevant to what's already been established in the universe. Sure, the Vader/Maul face-off was pretty solid, but I was strongly impressed by some of the smaller works: C3PO comes to grips with aftermath of flushing R2's memory banks; "The Princess Leia Diaries" may not seem like a great idea but it ends up being a uniquely inspired look at the young rebel's grooming to lead a rebellion; even an early possible encounter between Darth Vader and Boba Fett pose some tremendous 'what if' possibilities for the Star Wars universe.

                        Sure, as some of the tales go by too quickly, it's hard to get a great investment in story, but some of these yarns really weren't meant to. They're quick, and, for the most part, they feel very faithful to the source material. Dark Horse is be highly commended, and I'll definitely be picking up another volume simply on the strength of this release.

                        5 out of 5 stars Star Wars Tales #3 incredible.......2006-02-03

                        I agree with the previous review in that this is by far the best of the paper back volumes of Star Wars Tales. It includes the very popular, and increasingly rare Star Wars Tales #9 (#9-12 total). The stories are all very, very well written, and for the most part, it has beautiful artwork from beginning to end.
                        If you own only one volume of Tales, this is the one. A must for any Star Wars fan, even if comic books are not your thing.

                        4 out of 5 stars GREAT COMIC - POORLY BOUND.......2003-07-23

                        This is the best of the three Star Wars Tales TPB comics complied so far. I am reviewing Star Wars tales volume 3, simply called Star Wars Tales by Amazon. This is ISBN 1569718369 and collects issues 9 through 12 of the Dark horse quarterly comic-book anthology STAR WARS TALES.

                        This is my favorite of the 3 SWT volumes. It is 20 stories that I can read to my son (who has a short attention span and ADHD) and enjoy them together. The art work quality varies, as each story has different production staff working on them, but generally the art is from a 3 to a 4.5. The Stories are very uneven, but out of 20, if you found 5 that you could re-read with your kids, won't you call the book a winner? It is. That is why I assign it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

                        At 224 pages, watch for poor binding. Many of the larger TPB comics I have purchased since manufacture was moved from Canada to china have bindings where the comic just falls apart in your hands. The one I have is OK, but I want to be aware of the problem.

                        The cover art is by Tsuneo Sanda, and is an awesome picture of Han Solo standing with a hugh fire blazing in the background.

                        4 out of 5 stars 3.5 star rounded to 4, Find this by its ISBN........2003-07-21

                        This is the best of the three Star Wars Tales TPB comics complied so far. I am reviewing Star Wars tales volume 3, simply called Star Wars Tales by Amazon. This is ISBN 1569718369 and collects issues 9 through 12 of the Dark horse quarterly comic-book anthology STAR WARS TALES.

                        This is my favorite of the 3 SWT volumes. It is 20 stories that I can read to my son (who has a short attention span and ADHD) and we enjoyed them together. The art work quality varies, as each story has different production staff working on them, but generally the art is from a 3 to a 4.5. The Stories are very uneven, but out of 20, if you found at least 5 that you could re-read with your kids, won't you call the book a winner? It is. That is why I assign it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

                        At 224 pages, watch for poor binding. Many of the larger TPB comics I have purchased since manufacture was moved from Canada to china have bindings where the comic just falls apart in your hands. The one I have is OK, but I want others to be aware of the problem. I recently received an email from Dark horse telling they are aware of the binding problems and are making the necessary fixed to their production procedures.

                        The cover art is by Tsuneo Sanda, and is an awesome picture of Han Solo standing with a hugh fire blazing in the background.

                        Pontius Pilate (A Biographical Novel)
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Pontius Pilate (A Biographical Novel)

                          Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback

                          PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                          ASIN: B000GNVTP6
                          Pontius Pilate (A Biographical Novel)
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            Pontius Pilate (A Biographical Novel)

                            Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Paperback

                            PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                            ASIN: B000GNTRRI

                            Product Description

                            A biographical documentary novel about Pontius Pilate.
                            PONTIUS PILATE : a Biographical Novel
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              PONTIUS PILATE : a Biographical Novel
                              Paul L. Maier
                              Manufacturer: Doubleday & Co.
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Hardcover

                              PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                              ASIN: B000NZF6WE
                              Pontius Pilate : A Biographical Novel
                              Average customer rating: Not rated
                                Pontius Pilate : A Biographical Novel
                                Paul L. Maier
                                Manufacturer: Tyndale House
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                                ASIN: B000VNU8AS
                                PONTIUS PILATE A Biographical Novel
                                Average customer rating: Not rated
                                  PONTIUS PILATE A Biographical Novel

                                  Manufacturer: Doubleday & Company
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Paperback

                                  PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                  ASIN: B000H0DYP6
                                  Pontius Pilate a Biographical Novel
                                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                                    Pontius Pilate a Biographical Novel
                                    Paul L Maier
                                    Manufacturer: BANTAM DOUBLEDAY @ DELL
                                    ProductGroup: Book
                                    Binding: Hardcover

                                    PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                    ASIN: B000SH639M
                                    Pontius Pilate,: A biographical novel
                                    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                                    • Great! Absolutely Great!
                                    • What a great read
                                    • A Masterpiece Of Scholarship And Literature
                                    • Also worth reading.
                                    • Excellent reading for understanding Jesus' times
                                    Pontius Pilate,: A biographical novel
                                    Paul L Maier
                                    Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
                                    ProductGroup: Book
                                    Binding: Unknown Binding

                                    PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                    Similar Items:
                                    1. Flames of Rome, The: A Novel Flames of Rome, The: A Novel
                                    2. In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church
                                    3. A Skeleton in God's Closet A Skeleton in God's Closet
                                    4. More Than a Skeleton: It Was One Man Against the World More Than a Skeleton: It Was One Man Against the World
                                    5. Eusebius: The Church History Eusebius: The Church History

                                    Accessories:
                                    1. Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

                                    ASIN: B0007EUBA8

                                    Customer Reviews:

                                    5 out of 5 stars Great! Absolutely Great!.......2007-09-20

                                    This book was a great read...then when I realized all the research Paul Maier did in creating this book, I was awed.

                                    According to the author's notes, Maier researched all historical references available about Pilate, Roman politics, and general life in Judea during the time of Christ. Maier then fills in the missing parts with his own fictional "filler" that fits the historical facts.

                                    I have loaned this book out dozens of times and my friends and family are also amazed. Everybody loves the book. I'm certain you will too.

                                    5 out of 5 stars What a great read.......2007-04-14

                                    What a great book. It's historically accurate and makes learning history fun. It's also a great book to learn about the relationship between the Jews and the Roman and that fateful trial. I recommend it highly, specially for teens who don't want to learn history the old way. Maier predates Dan Brown in this genre and has a key difference, he has the credentials and the accuracy to write a novel that takes no creative license with history.

                                    5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece Of Scholarship And Literature.......2007-04-06

                                    Too many great Biblical novels, especially those that were made into great movies in the 1950s and 60s, suffered from the fact that they constructed narratives that required a wild dose of historical speculation or embellishment that doesn't square with the accounts we've learned from the Gospels and from the archeological record.

                                    But Paul Maier, a Biblical scholar and historian, found a new way of writing a good novel that *also* manages to be informative and scholarly, and it's a pity that his approach has not been emulated by others. In "Pontius Pilate", Maier starts with *every* known historical fact about Pilate, and constructs his fictional narrative with a keen eye on connecting that which is known. There are no fictional characters at the centerpiece as in classic novels like "The Robe" and "Ben Hur." Along the way, Maier, as a scholar, gives us documented footnotes to explain why he has written the narrative this way and referred the reader to appropriate primary sources from Antiquity.

                                    The end result is both a book that gives us a compelling narrative AND enlightens amateur Biblical historians about the scholarly record and what we should consult further. That is the greatness of this work, and along the way I gained more insight and understanding of the Roman politics affecting the governing of Judea at the time of Christ. In particular, Maier enlightens the reader of how Pilate's background likely suggested ties to the notorious Sejanus, who was executed by Emperor Tiberius for conspiring against him. Since Sejanus was disdainful of the Jews, Pilate's association with him might have led to the incidents documented in Philo and Josephus that caused relations to be bad with the Jews (the matter of displaying the Emperor's image on iconic standards, and the use of Temple money to construct an aqueduct). Afterwards, with Tiberius imposing a more pro-Jewish policy, Pilate would have found himself forced to curry more favor with the Jews, lest they complain to Tiberius who might find reason to remove Pilate based on his past associations with Sejanus.

                                    And in that context, we then understand perhaps the real reason for why at the trial of Jesus, Pilate was told, "If you free this man, you are no friend of Caesar." and why despite the misgivings he seemed to have, he felt compelled to give in. This is likely a true indicator of Pilate's character and motives, and it's worth noting that Mel Gibson's "Passion Of The Christ" essentially uses this interpretation of Pilate that Maier offers in his film.

                                    Maier also depicts Pilate's wife Procula (Maier does not refer to her as "Claudia Procula" because he notes that the name "Claudia" comes from a much later tradition than the name Procula) as someone who tentatively is moving in the direction of faith in Christ by story's end. Since history does not tell us conclusively what happened to Pilate after he was recalled by Tiberius, Maier leaves the question of his fate open-ended and while this might not be satisfying to those expecting a more clean narrative, it still works in this genre and one comes away feeling that their knowledge of the 1st century AD has been enhanced greatly.

                                    The pity is that this novel never received big screen epic movie treatment, because it deserved it a lot more than other well-noted Biblical novels that did reach the big screen.

                                    1 out of 5 stars Also worth reading........2007-02-19

                                    For those willing to see the truth of Jesus' suffering, buy the Amazon book "Crucified by Pontius Pilate" by C.W. Griffen.

                                    5 out of 5 stars Excellent reading for understanding Jesus' times.......2006-08-03

                                    If you are going to pick up this book, you are probably very familiar with Pilate's role in the Passion of Jesus already. What this book will really give you is a very readable explanation of politics in Jesus' time as illustrated by Pilate's career. If you have been confused before by the succession of Julian emperors and Herodian kings, or by who ruled when in which part of Palestine, or by what was Roman policy in Palestine at which time, this book will make it all clear to you.

                                    I already had some knowledge of a few incidents involving Pilate and the Jewish authorities, such as the iconic standards and the Jerusalem aqueduct, but this book really helped me clarify how those events developed and what was at stake. The Roman political environment in Pilate's time was truly horrific (the fate of Sejanus' children chilled my blood) and this book will definitely let you glimpse at the horror and how it might have affected Pilate's thinking.

                                    Be sure to read the notes. The author is crystal-clear about when he gives solid historical fact and when he embarks in plausible creative speculation (such as Pilate's dialogues with Cornelius and his encounter with Paul).

                                    As the author clearly exposes, the earliest sources and church traditions overall do not give an unfavorable image of Pilate (the glaring exception is Philo who in all likelihood was pushing an agenda). He could not have done so bad a job if he held his post for 10 years. It is quite telling, therefore, that those who were closer to the actual events were indeed sympathetic to him and such is reflected in Maier's book. The vilification of Pilate only came later.

                                    In short, extremely informative and enjoyable. I can't wait now to start "The Flames of Rome".
                                    PONTIUS PILATE: A BIOGRAPHICAL NOVEL
                                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                                      PONTIUS PILATE: A BIOGRAPHICAL NOVEL
                                      PAUL L. MAIER
                                      Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
                                      ProductGroup: Book
                                      Binding: Paperback

                                      PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                      ASIN: B000GTG2LQ
                                      Pontius Pilate: A Biographical Novel
                                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                                        Pontius Pilate: A Biographical Novel
                                        Paul L. Maier
                                        Manufacturer: Tyndale House
                                        ProductGroup: Book
                                        Binding: Paperback

                                        PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                        ASIN: B000KEL1BS
                                        Pontius Pilate a Biographical Novel
                                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                                          Pontius Pilate a Biographical Novel
                                          Paul L. Maier
                                          Manufacturer: Tyndale
                                          ProductGroup: Book
                                          Binding: Mass Market Paperback

                                          PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                                          ASIN: B000QFV6QQ

                                          Books:

                                          1. The Flanders Panel
                                          2. The Franklin Affair: A Novel
                                          3. The French Lieutenant's Woman
                                          4. The Ginger Tree
                                          5. The Grace That Keeps This World: A Novel
                                          6. The Grass Crown
                                          7. The Italian Secretary: A Further Adventure of Sherlock Holmes
                                          8. The Kitchen God's Wife
                                          9. The Lions of Lucerne
                                          10. The Map of Love: A Novel

                                          Books Index

                                          Books Home

                                          Recommended Books

                                          1. Stalin's Ghost: An Arkady Renko Novel
                                          2. Moody Handbook of Theology
                                          3. Coastliners: A Novel
                                          4. Faux Florals for Your Wedding: Fifty Easy and Original Projects
                                          5. History: Fiction or Science
                                          6. Little, Brown Essential Handbook, The
                                          7. History: Fiction or Science
                                          8. Hunter-Gatherer Foraging Strategies: Ethnographic and Archeological Analyses
                                          9. Exemplary Economists: Europe, Asia and Australasia
                                          10. Rolling Out New Products Across International Markets