In the Beginning， there was . . . The Word.The classic thriller of an ancient manuscript， a secret society committed to hiding an explosive truth， and the man who must uncover that truth--if he can stay alive long enoughIn the ruins of the ancient Roman seaport of Ostia Antica， an Italian archaeologist has discovered a first century papyrus， its faded text revealing a new gospel written by James， younger brother of Jesus. This discovery will show the world a new Jesus Christ， fill in the missing years of his ministry， contradict the existing accounts of his life--and potentially destroy the foundation of 2，000 years of Western civilization.First published in 1972， The Word remains a classic of brilliant storytelling， authentic detail and breathtaking narrative power.