The Story of the Other Wise Man (1895 original; edició 1984)

This is the story of the fourth wise man who, along with the three others, is seeking the Christ Child. Artaban plans on meeting up with his friends, and then continuing on his journey. He is bringing three precious jewels to bestow upon the Christ Child. But his journey is delayed when he stops to nurse a dying man, giving him his provisions. Now, needing to cross the desert, he gives up a jewel to buy supplies. He then discovers his companions have gone on without him, and so travels on, still alone. He meets a new mother with a son, and, lying to protect the boy, bribes the soldiers intent on killing newborn male children to go on and not search the house. Then, he wanders on for 33 years, and at the end of his life, gives his last jewel to pay the debts of an orphaned young girl about to be sold into slavery for her father’s debts. Artaban feels he has failed to honor the Christ, since he has given away to man what was meant for God, and he is surprised to hear what God has to say. This imaginative tale embodies not only the story of the birth of Jesus, but also the redemptive powers of God. This is a story that should be read every Christmas. ( )

"I do not know where this little story came from--out of the air, perhaps. One thing is certain, it is not written in any other book, nor is it to be found among the ancient lore of the East. And yet I have never felt as if it were my own. It was a gift, and it seemed to me as if I knew the Giver." --Henry Van Dyke Long, long ago, a wise man named Artaban, a priest of the Magi, discerned from heavenly signs that the time was at hand for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy--the birth among the Hebrews of a holy Prince and Deliverer of Man. Hastening to join three fellow Magi for the long journey into Judaea, he paused to help a dying man and was left behind. And so Artaban began his pilgrimage alone, striking out not toward the realization of his life's deepest longing, as he hoped, but only toward misfortune and suffering. Or so he believed until one blessed, radiant moment. With an introduction by Leo Buscaglia

"But it is better to follow even the shadow of the best than to remain content with the worst. And those who would see wonderful things must often be ready to travel alone."

Artaban is all prepared to join three of his Magi companions to go and present gifts to a new King whose coming is declared by the heavens. But Artaban's trip encounters delays, profoundly altering his quest in The Story of the Other Wise Man by author Henry van Dyke.

I'd never heard of this classic before I came across it some weeks ago. No, it didn't hold groundbreaking revelations or unimaginable surprises for me.

But even having a good idea ahead of time about where such a tale would go didn't stop the tale from being beautiful to me. Beautiful in its atmospheric detail as well as in its compelling message about what's important to the King. Yes, the story has some old-fashioned quirks, like the fact that some of the characters speak in "King James" now and then, but the message itself is timeless.

Not at all hard to see why this tale is indeed a classic. ( )

I don't know how I missed this short novel/long short story until now. The legend was mentioned in a Christmas special I was watching and I searched it to see if there were more. I found this and I am so glad I did.

The version I read was the original one, transcribed through Project Gutenberg. It definitely shows its Victorian roots in its flowery language. I think sometimes I am a misplaced Victorian spinster, so I loved it. The descriptions transported me to an earlier time.

This is certainly a Christmas story and as such it does have a message, but it far transcends finding the baby Jesus. Would that we could all live the life Artaban lived. I did need a tissue at the end, but I get emotional easily.

Who would like it? Anyone who loves Christmas. It isn't that long and could easily be read to your family, should you wish to start a tradition. ( )

This title is suitable for ages 4 to 8 years. Henry Van Dyke wrote "The Other Wise Man" in 1896, and since that time, this enduring classic has woven its mystical appeal for countless children and adults. Here Pamela Kennedy retells the story for the young reader, making it easy to understand, while retaining the magic of Van Dyke's words. Robert Barrett's rich oil paintings create a tapestry of colour that adds to the mystery of the ancient world.