The Illusionist (1984 Mason), novel

From 4 Enoch: : The Online Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, and Christian and Islamic Origins
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The Illusionist (1984) is a novel by Anita Mason.

Abstract

A fictional biography of Simon Magus, a magician and performer who travels from town to town accompanied by his slave-boy Demetrius. After his encounter with the early Christians, he abandons Demetius, living as a beggar and befriending a prostitute Helen. He eventually travels to Rome for a climatic test of his magic powers before Nero.

Inspired by ancient Christian legends on Simon Magus, the novel was nominated for the 1983 Booker Prize in the UK.

Editions and translations

Published in New York, NY: Holt, 1984.

External links

  • [ Google Books]