Monty Python's Life of Brian film is known for its brilliant satirical humour. Less well known is that the film contains references to what was, at the time of its release, cutting edge biblical scholarship and life of Jesus research. This research, founded on the acceptance of the Historical Jesus as a Jew who needs to be understood within the context of his time, is implicitly referenced through the setting of the Brian character within a tumultuous social and political background. This collection is a compilation of essays from foremost scholars of the historical Jesus and the first century Judaea, and includes contributions from George Brooke, Richard Burridge, Paula Fredriksen, Steve Mason, Adele Reinhartz, Bart Ehrman, Amy-Jill Levine, James Crossley, Philip Davies, Joan Taylor, Bill Telford, Helen Bond, Guy Stiebel, David Tollerton, David Shepherd and Katie Turner. The collection opens up the Life of Brian to renewed investigation and, in so doing, uses the film to reflect on the historical Jesus and his times, revitalising the discussion of history and Life of Jesus research. The volume also features a preface from Terry Jones, who not only directed the film, but also played Brian's mum. Clearly any text concerning Life of Brian will supply humor scholars with fruitful material, since the film is the holy grail (pun intended) for those seeking to link religion with humor, and this book will afford them many constructive ideas and critiques within a set of essays that are an accessible and valuable resource, demonstrating at the same time the role of history in the study of humor. Additionally, it concludes with a detailed bibliography of Life of Brian scholarship useful to anyone looking to research the film or Monty Python in general.