Author: Tom Nolan

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2008-07

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 1434384977

A new novel by a noted author of science, philosophy and religion with its subplot set in first century China when massive walls were built for protection against Mongolian hordes and alliances were sought with the mushrooming Roman Empire far to the west. An ancient legend suggested the abduction of the Christ child by an ambitious Chinese ambassador, an early traveler, who replaced him in the manger with his own twin son. Influenced by the messianic prophesy, his mission was to return to China with the secret of Roman success and the potential for Chinese superiority. Following his brother's crucifixion and burial, the second twin was mistaken for resurrection. With similar previously undisclosed events in first century Judaea an historical account was contained in the controversial Book of Chan, hidden in the Great Wall for two thousand years. The location was inscribed in a set of Chinese seals with sculptured ivory handles since scattered among world collectors of sigillography. Two Harvard and Oxford professors, meeting on an Oriental cruise, teamed up in search of the legendary book but encountered very rough competition from religious agents determined to prevent disclosure. Amidst touches of romance they uncovered a unique culture at the conflux of the Great Wall and Silk Road. Finding a number of the ancient seals, including several that later had been carried to Venice by the Marco Polo entourage, the academic couple succeeded in computer analysis producing a usable matrix map. Written in the genre of The DaVinci Code, the book includes an important philosophical addendum on the search for greater realism in biblical understanding that strongly influenced the creation of this unique and somewhat controversial story. Proof readers see it as a best seller and the next major "Hollywod Project".