When young Tom Barton and his uncle committed themselves to smuggling Tyndale's new English translation of the Bible into England, it was to Uncle Jack just another item to smuggle for a price. It was to Tom, as well, until he came to know the remarkable Tyndale until he became involved in the powerful forces of intrigue that gathered from all over Europe to prevent Tyndale's work from being accomplished. 

This splendid novel sets into motion a rich cast of characters, many of whom existed in history, against a tumultuous background of political and religious turmoil. The devoted Tyndale's mission was to translate the Bible into English—so that it could be read by every ploughboy in England—and he succeeded against incredible odds. He was aided by many besides Tom Barton and though ultimately betrayed, his work lives on. Eighty percent of the translation he made, hunted and bedeviled at every turn, still stands in the King James version.

It was on a trip to England that Scott O'Dell became interested in Tyndale and his enormous contribution to the English language. After two years of research, which several times took him back to England and the continent, he now sets down the story for young readers. As might be expected from this Newbery and Hans Christian Andersen Award-wining author, the story is a powerful one.

From the dust jacket