The Lost Mary

“Mary mother of Jesus, perhaps the most poorly-understood person who ever lived, could not find a better modern interpreter than James Tabor, whose life-long training in both archaeology and textual studies has given him the keys to, for the first time, construct a convincing portrayal of this enigmatic figure.” -John Dominic Crossan, author of The Historical Jesus

“Tabor’s accessible, informed and wide-ranging exploration challenges Mary’s traditional portrayal, while situating Mary solidly within the social and political world of her times. This is a book that will appeal to those who seek an alternative view of Christian history.” – Joan E. Taylor, author of Boy Jesus: Growing Up Judean in Turbulent Times

‘She is the most revered woman in history, but how many people know who Mary, the mother of Jesus, really was? In a penetrating and deep analysis of all our available sources, James Tabor presents a surprising, historical view that places Mary in her own, first-century, Jewish context.” – Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus

“Informed by archaeology, the history of Romen-ruled Judea and the Galilee, Jewish messianic speculation, and early Christian texts, Tabor offers numerous striking insights regarding not only Mary of Nazareth, but also her son Jesus, John the Baptizer, and James the Just. Engaging, creative, thought-provoking, and revelatory.” – Amy-Jill Levine, author of Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians

“A fresh perspective on a figure who continues to fascinate … Tabor makes a strong case for a Mary who was not a bystander but an integral part of a messianic movement.” – Ilene Cooper, Booklist

”[A] deep dive into Mary as a credible historical reality … Tabor’s very readable retelling of her life boasts impressive research.” – Library Journal

“James Tabor has written a deeply textured and highly readable book.” - The Irish Theological Quarterly

Prof. James D. Tabor is a distinguished scholar and chair of the department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He is also a high-profile archaeologist, specializing in biblical archaeology in Israel, Jordan and Palestine. He is also chief historical consultant to Kathy Reichs, the bestselling fiction writer.

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