Nicaea: A Book of Correspondences - Hardcover

'For those who enjoy transpersonal explorations into the complex web of love in both ancient and modern society, this book will appeal.' -- Light: A Review of Spiritual and Psychic Knowledge, Winter 2004 'Jerusalem, Athens, Rome and now, thanks to Nicaea, that ancient Turkish town wil be added to the litany of spirit-birthing places. Finely crafted and researched, this book informs the mind as it joyously entertains the heart.' -- David Applebaum, Editor of Parabola Magazine 'In evocative prose, Martin Rowe conjures awake the soul of a city that has played a pivotal role in shaping our modern-day religious landscape. Through his imaginative storytelling, he brings vibrantly to life the forgotten tales and lost characters of a city that, over the centuries, simmered in a magical stew of theological debate and mystical allure. Nicaea is not just historical fiction -- it is a meditation on the spirit of place, the mystery of faith, and the human struggle to decode the secrets of love.' -- Pythia Peay, author of Soul Sisters: The Five Sacred Qualities of a Woman's Soul

The ancient Turkish town of Iznik, formerly Nicaea, is the setting for this novel that weaves together past and present to explore age-old questions such as the nature of love, the role of the artist, and the expression of faith. Beginning with the present-day seekers Adam and Marianne, who attempt to rekindle their love affair after twenty years, the story of what happened in this town deepens through flashbacks, not only in their own lives, but through Nicaea's famous history as well. Through correspondences and many different storytellers, we hear a multitude of voices, from famous historical characters that guided the theology and politics of the early Christian church -- Eusebius, Arius, Athanasius and Constantine the Great -- to sometimes lyrical, sometimes fantastical fictional characters like the serving girl who outwits a Sultan, the irreverent pranksters Karagoz and Hajivat, or the cook who confounds Death. All their struggles with timeless themes of love, the state versus the individual consciences, and what constitutes faith are set against a backdrop of the ever-mysterious and shadowy Nicaea, perhaps the most important character of all.