How Far To Bethlehem? Norah Lofts

A very unusual and compelling tale of the Three Wise Men and their possible origins: Melchior, the ascetic scholar; Gaspar, the barbarian; and Balthazar, the slave who has escaped from a cruel, vicious mistress. The story begins with Mary, preparing for her marriage to Joseph and learning of her appointed task from the Archangel Gabriel; then the scene moves to Korea, where Melchior, the aged astronomer, has left his home to follow the star whose coming had been so long foretold. Each man reveals his motives and emotions as they make a hazardous physical journey - there are robbers and inn-keepers, Romans and Greeks, princes and Jews - but there is also the spiritual journey of each of these men...the journey that will lead them to a humble destination of the greatest importance.