The time of action is the first century AD. The setting is the Roman province of Judea. In an era when the people are waiting for the coming of the Messiah, a man appears who can fly: Simon the Magus - a sorcerer, necromancer, outcast, illusionist. He, who is subject to ancient magic, is challenged by one of the local sects. Their founder, Yeshua, is crucified as a criminal, and their spiritual leader, Kepha, or Peter, refuses to lead. But he can do what Simon cannot, and the conflict of their worldviews is dramatically resolved in Rome, at the court of Nero, laying the foundation for the future legend of Doctor Faustus...

The novel was included in the Booker shortlist in 1983.