“If I was only to have written one book, this would be it!” -Bear Grylls
Seasoned explorer and author Bear Grylls is embarking on one of his greatest challenges yet: to make known to the world the life story of a man who altered the course of history.
In The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account – which will be published globally in summer 2025 – the much-loved adventurer retells the astonishing story of Jesus as you have never heard it before in a thrilling, fast-paced narrative.
Son. Teacher. Friend.
Rebel. Renegade. Redeemer?
Written in the first person as a series of eyewitness accounts by five people who knew him best, The Greatest Story Ever Toldfollows the events of Jesus’ life, from Mary’s visit from the Angel Gabriel through to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. As we walk alongside Jesus’ mother Maryam, and his friends Ta’om, Shimon, Yohannan, and Maryam from Magdala, we experience through their eyes the words and actions of this extraordinary man, the reactions of those who encounter him, and the many lives that he transforms through his teachings.
“Being Yeshua’s mother was the greatest privilege afforded any woman, but also potentially the most painful.”
The Greatest Story Ever Told publishes in the US on 22 July 2025 and in the UK on 19 June 2025. In the UK, the book was pre-launched by Bear at Flame 2025 at Wembley Arena London on 15 March to an enthusiastic reception from over 10,000 young people and youth leaders. It will be featured at Spring Harvest in April 2025, as well as at other events and conferences in the UK and the US during 2025.
Churches across the world are being encouraged to read the book together as part of Hodder’s book club, The Big Church Read, formed in partnership with St Andrew’s Bookshop – and then to share the book with their local communities.
“That was the way of Yeshua. Topside down. Bottom side up. Turning the tables and rewriting conventional thinking. His was a revolution of love.”
Andy Lyon, Publishing Director at Hodder Faith, bought world rights from Caroline Michel at PFD. “Hands down, this will be the biggest book Hodder Faith has ever published,” he said. “The story of Jesus is one that needs retelling in every generation, in every culture, and nobody does it like Bear. For readers who have never picked up a Bible, this story will be enlightening from an historical perspective, but it will also offer them hope and prompt them to ask questions about who Jesus really was. For Christians, The Greatest Story Ever Told offers a fresh perspective on the familiar story – as well as a great way to talk to their friends and family about the life of Jesus!”
“You believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
Bear Grylls OBE is probably the most recognisable face of adventure on the planet. His books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, including the number 1 bestselling Mud, Sweat and Tears. He is a former 21 SAS soldier, who went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers of Mount Everest, despite breaking his back in a free-fall accident only months earlier. Bear’s TV shows include the legendary Discovery channel show MAN Vs WILD and the hit show RUNNING WILD with Bear Grylls, now in its eighth season on National Geographic Channel and Disney Plus. He also hosts two hit Netflix series, You Vs Wild and BEARHUNT where Bear trains celebrities in jungle survival then tests if they can evade him! He is a double Emmy and BAFTA award winner and is Chief Ambassador to 55 million Scouts worldwide. He is married to Shara and they have three sons. His books for Hodder Faith include Mind Fuel, Soul Fuel for Young Explorers, and Mind Fuel for Young Explorers, as well as the new scouting handbook Do Your Best.
The Greatest Story Ever Told will be published in the US on 22 July 2025 as a hardback (9781399820141) by Hodder Faith at $19.99. In the UK, it will be published by Hodder & Stoughton on 19 June 2025 as a B format hardback at £14.99. Bulk discounts will be available for churches via www.greateststoryevertoldbook.com.
Bear has some availability for media interviews and to take part in events linked to this book.
For media enquiries and review copy requests, please contact:
US: Kaitlyn Shokes (kaitlyn.shokes@johnmurraypress.co.uk)
UK: Rhoda Hardie (Rhoda.hardie@hodder.co.uk / +44 781 542 7111)
