This is a book about what could be one of the hardest subjects a historian could attempt to tackle. The historic Jesus is a character that has very little real historic verification, leading most scholars to take best guesses on what the real Jesus may have been like, or if he even existed. And this book is no different as Aslan attempts to build a picture based on the available historic evidence and what records we do have about actual events around that time and place. It does start off with one assumption though: that Jesus was a real man and not a deified entity created from the various self proclaimed messiahs of the time, as other works on this subject have claimed.

In the process of piecing together a more realistic picture than the dramatic stories presented in the canonical gospels Aslan is quick to dismiss the portions that are plainly absurd and only there to present a particular picture to the audience the gospel version is intended for. For example, The stable in Bethlehem picture, because Bethlehem did not even exist in that time based on known historical documents, Nazareth did however. Or also the scenes with Pontius Pilate, who in some versions of the story tries to save Jesus, but is historically accounted for as absolutely hating the Jewish people,so much so that complaints are regularly sent to the Roman Emperor regarding the numerous crucifixions. And just as equally Aslan is quick to point out when the version presented adds insight to the real man and highlights his real motivations when looked at in the historic context in which it takes place.

The research done by the author is well documented in the notes and bibliography, which is sure to give the reader plenty more to explore should he or she wish to do so. Unless your the type who refuses to stray one ounce from your dogma, this book is a must read for believers and non-believers alike. It adds to the many other volumes on this subject and paints a picture of a man who is probably more fascinating than the one presented by the religion in his name.