From Library Journal
A blessed event: Doubleday is issuing the first hardcover edition of Girzone's best-selling inspirational classic, which was self-published.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
The Beloved Classic,Now a Major Motion PictureWhen Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are mystified by his presence. A quiet and simple man, Joshua appears to seek nothing for himself. He supports himself by working as a carpenter. He charges very little for his services, yet his craftsmanship is exquisite. The statue of Moses that he carves for the local synagogue prompts amazement as well as consternation.What are the townsfolk to make of this enigmatic stranger? Some people report having seen him carry a huge cherry log on his shoulders effortlessly. Still others talk about the child in a poor part of town who was dreadfully ill but, after Joshua's visit, recovered completely.Despite his benevolence and selfless work in the community, some remain suspicious. Finally, in an effort to address the community's doubts, the local religious leaders confront Joshua.


The publisher, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
Joseph Girzone wrote his parable in 1983 and published it himself with neither accompanying fanfare nor expectation of the extraordinary effect it would have on people around the world. With only word-of-mouth for advertising, and by virtue of its siniple message of love, Joshua became an international force of spiritual strength. After its modest beginnings, Joshua and its sequels have millions of readers around the world and continue to bring hope and peace to all who seek nourishment. When Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are at first mystified, then confused by his presence. A quiet and simple man, Joshua appears to seek nothing for himself. He supports himself solely by carpentry and woodworking, and he charges very little for his services. Yet his work is exquisite. Even more exquisite, and even more mysterious, is the extraordinary effect he has on everyone he meets. All who come in contact with him can't help but be transformed by his incredible warmth. The acceptance and love in his eyes and in each actions amazes the townspeople. Who is Joshua and just what is he up to? The answer to that question amazes them almost as much discovery of that same transforming power in each of their own hearts.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Written by a retired Catholic priest and rooted in a scrupulously accurate reading of the scriptures, these profoundly moving and deeply inspiring stories about Joshua, a simple woodcarver, are entertaining, engrossing, life-affirming, and deeply spiritual. Balm for our troubled times. In the story Joshua, Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are mystified by his presence. In Joshua and the Children, Joshua arrives in a village overrun with unscrupulous people, the children are the first to recognize the special qualities of this gentle stranger. In Joshua in the Holy Land, Joshua has come home, but home is no more peaceful than it was during the "time long ago.'' Violence has poisoned the little towns of Nazareth, Capernaum, and Bethany. When he reaches Jerusalem, Joshua's path becomes clear. Journey with Joshua--it's one journey you'll never forget.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are mystified by his presence. A quiet and simple man, Joshua appears to seek nothing for himself. He supports himself by working as a carpenter. He charges very little for his services, yet his craftsmanship is exquisite. The statue of Moses that he carves for the local synagogue prompts amazement as well as consternation.

What are the townsfolk to make of this enigmatic stranger? Some people report having seen him carry a huge cherry log on his shoulders effortlessly. Still others talk about the child in a poor part of town who was dreadfully ill but, after Joshua's visit, recovered completely.