Date of Publication

1978

Publisher

New English Library

Original cost of hardback first edition

£4.95

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

450 04040 2

Original first print run (where known)

Note - the first edition is the only unedited copy of this book. All prologues were removed from subsequent editions for legal reasons.

Name of hero in the book

Harry Steadman

Opening line of the book

"Gaius Cassius gazed up into the bloodied face of the man dying on the cross and wondered at the sadness that lingered with the last fragile moments of life."

General description of the dust cover

Cover photograph is not credited. Story outline on front flap of the dust cover only. On the rear flap is a paragraph about the book generally, followed by a photograph of James Herbert. There is then a paragraph about the author.

Number of pages and chapter details

Book starts with three long quotes and then a prologue dated 5th April 33AD. There is then a further prologue dated 23rd May 1945 before the first chapter. On page 279 there is an author's note about the book. There are 23 chapters numbered as "ONE" to "TWENTY THREE".

Roger's Review

When I first read this around the time of publication, I found it very heavy going and gave up half way through. I re-read it some 25 years later! This time I found it to be a very good book and an enjoyable read. That said, it is not the best of James Hebert's books, indeed many fans rate it as his worst but of course they are measuring against such a high standard. An essential Herbert book to have in first edition as that is the only unedited version of the book - 5 out of 10