The Silver Chalice

infobox Book |
name = The Silver Chalice
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Thomas B. Costain
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Historical Novel
publisher = Doubleday & Company
release_date = July 1952
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Hardcover)
pages = 533
isbn = 0385044291
oclc = 964407
followed_by =

"The Silver Chalice" is a 1952 English language historical novel by Thomas B. Costain. It is the fictional story of the making of a silver chalice to hold the Holy Grail and includes first century biblical and historical figures: Luke, Joseph of Arimathea, Simon Magus and his companion Helena, and the apostle Peter.

The story was inspired by the archeological discovery of a first century silver chalice in Antioch (see Antioch Chalice). [cite book| last = Costain| first = Thomas B.| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = The Silver Chalice| publisher = Pocket Books| date = October, 1954| location = New York| pages = Author's Note| url = | doi = | id = | isbn =671772228 ] It is in effect a prequel to the Arthurian Legend, where the search for the Holy Grail plays a conspicuous part.

Two years after its publication, Warner Bros. released a feature adaptation of the book. The film starred Paul Newman, in his first studio role, as Basil the craftsman.

Plot introduction

The Silver Chalice takes place in Israel and other parts of the Roman Empire shortly after the death of Jesus. A young man, Basil, is adopted by a rich man, but loses his fortune when his father dies and his uncle defrauds him claiming he was purchased as a slave and sells him. As a slave he survives by working as an artist and silversmith. He gains his freedom, becomes a Christian and is commissioned to create an outer covering for the the cup Jesus drank from at The Last Supper.

Footnotes