The Christians

Author and British quiz show host Bamber Gascoigne wrote and presents this 13-episode series, which his wife filmed. Together, they traveled to over 30 countries to demonstrate how a fringe group started by less-than-noble Jesus of Nazareth evolved into a world faith, a faith responsible for wars and atrocities as well as much of the globe's art and music and, despite advances in science, one that continues to flourish after 2000 years. Gascoigne's vast undertaking took several decades to complete. The program, which debuted on PBS in the 1980s, occasionally dates itself by Gascoigne's clothing and hair styles as well as with references to countries that have since changed names; however, age does not erode its outstanding quality. Packed with content, The Christians, with a bonus viewer's guide and an updated introduction, displays top-notch photography and technical quality. Highly recommended for most libraries.—Diane Kazlauskas, Univ. of North Florida, Jacksonville