The Book of David' is the bible's missing volume, a story of love and hate, political chicanery and religious rivalry, the beginnings of nationhood and the men and women whose lives were caught up in its strife.

History is normally written by the winners, we are told - but what if it weren't? The events of Israel's beginnings are seen through the eyes of three men who were in their different ways the 'losers' of history - Goliath, whom David slew, Saul, his predecessor as king and Joab, his army general. How would these men have seen the rise of David?

'Saul' the second volume of the series, is the story of the new young king of a new young nation who struggles to keep a fragile peace in the face of plotting and scheming from allies and enemies alike.

Terence Morgan (author of 'The Master of Bruges', 'The Shadow Prince' and 'Villon') is renowned for his 'retakes' of history, looking at events from a freshly different perspective. 'The Book of David' is a worthy addition to the canon.