The Life of Apollonius of Tyana, Volume II: Books 6-8. Epistles of Apollonius. Eusebius: Treatise

Philostratus' account of the life of Apollonius makes fascinating reading. Here is one of those peripatetic preachers and miracle men that were well know at the time. Long suppressed by the church and vilified as a serious contender to the life of Jesus, the most contentious issue is that some of Apollonius deeds and words have slipped into Christian tradition, and are falsely attributed to Jesus. Never mind Jesus - read up on this fascinating man who was just as much a saviour of mankind as any prophet before and since.

The story of the life of Apollonius rings true to me. When I read this volume (and volume one), I got the impression that Apollonius was simply a remarkable individual who sought(and found?) the ideal "way to live". In other words, a true philosopher. A real person like you or I. He was also a campaigner for social reform and an activist of sorts, advising and supporting Roman emperors he believed to be virtuous and actively campaigning against perceived tyrants(ie. Nero). What's not to like(or believe)? I'd highly recommend both volumes to anyone with an open mind and a critical eye.

Conybeare's is the classic translation of Philostratus' 3rd century Greek work. I look forward with interest to C.P.Jones' updated loeb translation later this year but he will have a hard time rendering the Greek as well as Conybeare who makes an attractive read for non-specialists but sticks faithfully to the original Greek as best he can too. The index at the back of the volumes is also extremely useful and comprehensive.

This biography, written about 170 C.E. is of the life of the person who could well have been the model for the legendary Jesus Christ. Even if one accepts "on faith" that the Gospels, which appeared about 325 C.E., conveniently back dated, this is an important book. It was written between the times when the first Christians were wiped out by the legions of Caligula and when the modern religion claiming the name was custom created for Constantine to support his conquests. It's author had no involvement in the contraversies between the Jewish sects, nor did his subject, both being Greek.