The youngest member ever of the esteemed Academie Française--and winner of the Legion of Honor--produces a towering, erudite study of the humble men and women who were Christ's very first followers. Historically rich, it captures everything from the occupations, families, and homes to the flowers and birds native to the land. ".wealth of information.about customs, language, habits, clothes, food and all the other features.will make the reading of the New Testament far more real and vivid."--The Times.