Interesting reading recommendations, and I shall look them up.
I have read Vermes’ The Changing Face of Jesus, and also I have a lovely hard back copy of his The Authentic Gospel of Jesus, (London, 2004). That last book is not so much an authentic gospel, as a series of explanations, interpretations and references for much of what is mentioned in the New Testament. Excellent reading, although I do not always fully agree with his readings of the texts.
Thanx for the info. Do I know you from another name?