Taylor Caldwell · 1958 · mediterranean

Taylor Caldwell's novel imagines the life of Lucanus, the Greek physician who became Saint Luke, from his boyhood in Roman Antioch through his medical training and his healing travels across the Mediterranean world, to a final pilgrimage through Judea in search of the truth about Christ.

1. 1
   Antioch

   Raised in the household of the Roman governor of Antioch, the brilliant, grief-touched Lucanus vows to become a healer and seeks the unknown, merciful God.

2. 2
   Alexandria

   At the great medical school of Egypt he trains into one of the finest physicians of the age, wrestling all the while with why God permits suffering.

3. 3
   Rome

   Summoned before Tiberius Caesar, Lucanus refuses wealth and honour to serve the poor, and flees the decadence of the imperial city.

4. 4
   Athens

   In Greece he tends the sick and the enslaved, freeing the blinded African Ramus, as rumours of a teacher in Galilee begin to reach him.

5. 5
   Joppa

   Luke's ship comes ashore at the ancient port of Joppa, the sea gate of Judea.

6. 6
   Jerusalem

   Drawn at last to Judea, he questions Pilate, Herod and his own soldier brother, gathering the story of the man called Christ.

7. 7
   Nazareth

   In a small hill town he sits with Mary, mother of Jesus, who tells him of the Annunciation, and from all he has gathered he writes his Gospel.