The Big Fisherman (book)
The Big Fisherman is a 1948 historical novel written by Lloyd C. Douglas. The book was the best-selling novel of 1948. It ranked No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list for 16 consecutive weeks from December 19, 1948, through April 3, 1949. [1]
.png.webp) Cover of first edition | |
| Author | Lloyd C. Douglas |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Christian novel |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
Publication date | 1948 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) |
| Pages | 581 |
Plot
The novel presents a fictionalized account of the life of Fara, the daughter of an Arabian princess and Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Fara vows to kill Herod as revenge for his discarding Fara's mother. Fara goes to Galilee where she meets John the Baptist and Simon Peter. Simon Peter becomes a disciple of Jesus. Simon Peter shares the teachings of Jesus with Fara. Fara secures work in Herod's household but decides in the end not to kill him. Simon Peter and Fara travel to Arabia where they rescue Voldi, a prince who wishes to marry Fara. Fara decides not to marry Voldi and instead leaves with Simon Peter to spread the teachings of Jesus.
Reception
LeBaron R. Barker in The Boston Globe wrote: "The magic of the old, old story is here and the magic of Douglas as well, for it is his warm and simple style that brings freshness and new vigor to it. If this is the last of Douglas' novels, and I for one hope it is not, it is a fine book on which to end a great writing career."[2]
Film adaptation
The book was adapted into the 1958 film The Big Fisherman, directed by Frank Borzage.
References
- Bear, John (1992). The #1 New York Times Best Seller: Intriguing facts about the 484 books that have been #1 New York Times bestsellers since the first list, 50 years ago. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.
- LeBaron R. Barker (November 18, 1948). "A People's Novelist: Lloyd Douglas Clarifies Ancient Feud Between the Jews and Arabs". The Boston Globe. p. 15 – via Newspapers.com.