Were the Three Kings, or Magi, who the Bible says traveled to Bethlehem in search of the Christ Child real, historical figures or simply the stuff of legend?

For generations, the Magi have inspired art and music. Epiphany, the important Christian feast twelve days after Christmas, is a national holiday in many countries throughout the world. What lies at the heart of this celebration and is it still relevant today?

Turning to discoveries made by historians, scientists, and theologians, Polish author Grzegorz Górny answers these questions. With gorgeous four-color photographs on every page, he traces the mysteries of the Magi from the Gospel of Matthew to modern-day astronomy to revived Epiphany celebrations on the streets of secularized European capitals.

"This stunning book by the acclaimed journalist Grzegorz Gorny separates the legends from the historical facts about the Three Kings. Gorny set out to discover whether the biblical story of the Magi is based on real events or is just a myth. His search turned into a thrilling investigation, and this beautifully illustrated book is the result."
— Vivian Dudro, Editor, Ignatius Press

"The men of whom Matthew speaks are not just astronomers. They were 'wise'. They represent the inner dynamic of religion toward self-transcendence, which involves a search for truth, a search for the true God and, hence, 'philosophy' in the original sense of the word."
— Pope Benedict XVI