In the title story readers are introduced to Karl Glogauer, time traveller and messiah. In "Breakfast in the Ruins", Karl is the central character once again, in the setting of Derry and Toms's roof garden. "Constant Fire", set between the other stories, continues the quest through time.
--This text refers to the
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From Library Journal
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Moorcock's Nebula Award-winning novel, Mojo is reissuing the book in a special illustrated edition that incorporates the author's corrections. Moorcock also provides a new afterword. All that in a hardcover for $12.95 makes this a bargain.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
SALES POINTS * #22 in the Millennium SF Masterworks series, a library of the finest science fiction ever written * 'This is the most accessible of Moorcock's best work' Gregory Benford * Winner of the Nebula Award * 'Here is a writer of rare talent who has stumbled on an idea so dangerous and brilliant that scarcely any living writer could do justice to it' Guardian
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Greg Hughes
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Imagine being a time-traveller who goes back in time to meet Jesus of Nazareth. How would you react? For Karl Glogauer, this is just what happens. But it turns out things aren't what Karl expected. The simple carpenter's son is exactly that - simple. A grinning, salivating imbecile, who can only say his own name with a moronic giggle.
This is one of the funniest books about time travel I have read. It's about disillusionment, finding yourself, trying to work out who you are, and making amends. Karl Glogauer is a man full of social failings. A victim who is mixed up, confused and uncertain. The problem is he hates himself, and can't accept the good things other people see in him.
Before I had heard of this book I had my own theory that Jesus might have been a time traveller from the future, say the 28th century. He would have had all sorts of advanced technology to make it look like he was performing miracles, such as a pair of hover boots to make it look like he was walking on water. Or genetically modifying five loaves and two fishes to feed thousands. His claim to be the son of God would have been the ultimate hoax.
The time traveller in "Behold the Man" is from the 20th century and takes on the role of Jesus rather reluctantly. He utters prophecies that are uncannily accurate (he's read it all in a book), and he "heals" those whose afflictions are purely psychosomatic. All the quotations in the bible are based on Karl's actions. The things Karl does will be interpreted down the centuries, affecting the lives of millions.
This is a wonderfully iconoclastic work, full of mocking wit. I finished reading it the same day I bought it, it's not a very long book. It really makes you think about destiny and what we're all about.
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Okay, the author had initially a good idea. He sends Glogauer, the protagonist, to the time when Jesus is about to make his appearance. What happens next is imbued with the classical paradox of time travel (if you know history and if you travel back in time, you can come up with the original idea before it existed. But who got the idea in this case? A vicious circle...). The style is poor, and there are huge gaps in the story. It might have shocked quite a few pious Christians in its time, but I'd say not anymore...
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
It has been called many things, but most often it is called BLASPHEMOUS and HERETICAL. I say "Yes, but only incidentally." On the surface BEHOLD THE MAN is another time-travel story. Beneath that surface this book is a coral reef of ideas and issues pertaining to that elusive creature, MAN. MAN's need for history to determine his purpose and the ablility to tailor history to his own needs. MAN's need to Love and to be Loved. MAN's scientific advances vs. MAN's religious foundations. As grand in scope as these concepts are, they are only the beginning. This is one of the greatest books of all time and a must read for any serious student of human nature.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Behold a Fine Story
I read this book back when I was in High School (I believe between 1982 and 1983) and remember it to be both excellent in concept yet shocking. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2004 by J. Barr
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Christian who found it to be a great book
I first read this book when it came out in novella form before being expanded into a novel. I could have gotten all disturbed and found it blasphemous, but why? Read more
Published on Jun 3 2004 by J. Cross
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seen Mel Gibson's "THE PASSION?" Now Read This....
I read this 30 years ago and was shocked by it-- I was young and impressionable and had had a conventional Christian upbringing. Read more
Published on Feb 26 2004 by Chris Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars
Through the lens of now
Ridiculous! Time-travel back to the time of Christ; the traveller knows the period well, accidentally becomes the legend. Impossible! Who would believe it? Read more
Published on Feb 8 2002 by Galen D. Kaufman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bold allegory of conflict between faith and scientific doubt
The blurb on the back cover of the Carrol & Graf edition is off the mark: BEHOLD THE MAN is hardly "an hilarious fantasy-adventure", nor is it a "highly... Read more
Published on Jun 6 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
BOLD AND ORIGINAL
Moorcock pulls no punches in this story about time travel back to the time of christ. If you're a very religious christian AND close minded (NOT that I'm saying the terms go... Read more
Published on Nov 7 1997
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Path is the Man, The Man makes his own Road
Althought I must confess it stroke me at first as
being a unrespectful and derivative book, further
analysis and complete reading has changed my
opinion... Read more
being a unrespectful and derivative book, further
analysis and complete reading has changed my
opinion... Read more
Published on Jun 30 1997
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
As a Jew of limited practice with a sister who converted to evangelical Christianity, I first read this book (short story, really) as a bootleg Xerox in an attempt to understand... Read more
Published on April 28 1997
5.0 out of 5 stars
Are you a Christian? I guarantee this book will offend you!
Michael Moorcock's science fiction novel "Behold The Man" has been in release for over 20 years, and I still find it to be one of the most shocking books I have ever... Read more
Published on Oct 27 1996
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