The Silver Chalice
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| The Silver Chalice | |
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| Author | Thomas B. Costain |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Historical Novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday & Company |
| Publication date | July 1952 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 533 |
| ISBN | 0385044291 |
| OCLC | 964407 |
The Silver Chalice is a 1952 English language historical novel by Thomas B. Costain. It is the fictional story of the making of a silver chalice to hold the Holy Grail and includes first century biblical and historical figures: Luke, Joseph of Arimathea, Simon Magus and his companion Helena, and the apostle Peter.
The story was inspired by the archeological discovery of a first century silver chalice in Antioch (see Antioch Chalice).[1] It is in effect a prequel to the Arthurian Legend, where the search for the Holy Grail plays a conspicuous part.
Two years after its publication, Warner Bros. released a feature adaptation of the book. The film starred Paul Newman, in his first studio role, as Basil the craftsman.
[edit] Plot introduction
The Silver Chalice takes place in Israel and other parts of the Roman Empire shortly after the death of Jesus. A young man, Basil, is adopted by a rich man, but loses his fortune when his father dies and is sold as a slave. As a slave he survives by working as an artist and silversmith. He gains his freedom, becomes a Christian and is commissioned to create an outer covering for the the cup Jesus drank from at The Last Supper.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Costain, Thomas B. (October, 1954). The Silver Chalice. New York: Pocket Books, Author's Note. ISBN 671772228.
