If you thought Dan Brown's fiction was gripping, try the truth. This controversial book pieces together new evidence on the real life of Jesus. The true inspiration behind Kathy Reich's bestselling thriller, 'Cross Bones', archaeologist and scholar James Tabor takes us on a startling journey that changes the story of Christianity as we know it. Based on hands-on archaeological experience and ground-breaking academic research, real-life Indiana Jones, James Tabor, has produced a compelling and bold new interpretation of the life of Jesus and the origins of Christianity. So revelatory is his work that Kathy Reichs, bestselling mystery writer of the Tempe Brennan series, was inspired by his findings to write her latest novel, 'Cross Bones'. The truth, however, is far more gripping than fiction -- either hers or Dan Brown's. Tabor's scholarly detective work begins with his accidental discovery on a dig in Israel of what many now think was Jesus' family tomb. Tabor pieces together new archaeological evidence, combined with the earliest surviving Christian documents to reconstruct Jesus' real family history as a royal dynasty in exile. Jesus was leader of a messianic movement -- one far different to the revelations of his maverick follower Paul who was responsible for what we know as Christianity today. Was Jesus far more human than the Church has led us to believe? Was his royal bloodline meant to free mankind or just a chosen few? And why did dissident follower Paul have a more lasting effect on Christianity than Jesus himself? Find out the controversial truth in 'The Jesus Dynasty'.

Reviews

'If you thought Tempe Brennan's adventures in "Cross Bones" were gripping, try reading the facts behind my story in "The Jesus Dynasty".' Kathy Reichs

About the Author

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 has already had a two-hour documentary made of his research called 'The Search for John the Baptist' (History Channel, March 2005). Filming for a documentary based on 'The Jesus Dynasty' is planned and will be aired to coincide with this book. Tabor is also chief historical consultant to author Kathy Reichs.

Prizes

/ Lead title If you thought Dan Brown's fiction was gripping, try the truth. This controversial book pieces together new evidence on the real life of Jesus. The true inspiration behind Kathy Reich's bestselling thriller, 'Cross Bones', archaeologist and scholar James Tabor takes us on a startling journey that changes the story of Christianity as we know it. / A new 2-hour documentary special based on 'The Jesus Dynasty' called 'The Secret Jesus Family' is being aired on C4 on Christmas Eve 2006. The programme-makers, who explore the Jesus bloodline and his 'forgotten family', including Mary Magdalene, describe it as 'the conspiracy theory that Dan Brown missed'. /Basis for Kathy Reichs' novel, 'Cross Bones' which contains a 3-page section identifying 'The Jesus Dynasty' as the factual inspiration for her novel. / Marketing and publicity support continues with features, reviews, competitions and D2C initiatives including online promotions with key fan/genre websites and author's active website. / James Tabor is a recognised international authority on the life of Jesus. He has already featured in programmes aired on the BBC, Channel 4 and the History Channel. / Good coverage was achieved for HB in April 06 including features in the Sunday Express and Sunday Times. / Competition: The Jesus Papers - Michael Baigent Holy Blood Holy Grail - Baigent et al The Messianic Legacy - Baigent et al The Jesus Mysteries - Freke & Gandy The Bloodline of the Holy Grail - Gardner (2002)