Thomas B. Costain · 1952 · global

Thomas B. Costain's 1952 novel, written because he thought the Grail deserved better than Arthurian romance. Basil, a Greek silversmith cheated of his inheritance and sold into slavery at Antioch, is bought by Luke and commissioned by Joseph of Arimathea to make a casing for the cup of the Last Supper - which means finding and looking at the faces of the men who were there.

1. 1
   Antioch

   Basil is the adopted heir of a wealthy Antioch artisan until his uncle contests the adoption and sells him as a slave - and is bought out of a prison cell by Luke, who has seen his work and has a commission in mind.

2. 2
   Jerusalem

   In Jerusalem, Joseph of Arimathea sets the task: a silver casing for a plain cup carrying the faces of Jesus and the twelve - which no one recorded, so the work can only be done by finding those who remember them.

3. 3
   Athens

   The search carries him through the Greek world, where the new faith is spreading among people who have never seen any of it happen - and where Simon the Magician is drawing crowds with a rival set of miracles.

4. 4
   Rome

   Rome under Nero, where Peter is, where Christians are being burned, and where Simon Magus will attempt to fly before an emperor - and Basil finishes the chalice knowing what owning it is likely to cost.