Michael P. Closs now has a live author website. The site provides readers with biographical information about the author, as well as details on how and where to purchase his book.
Michael P. Closs is a retired professor at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He is also a Catholic deacon who has served in both Canada and Mexico. Closs’ work is thoroughly researched and carefully crafted. He opens with background on the Gospel of Mark, who likely drew in part from the Protevangelium, especially in relation to the Messianic Secret. After this introduction, Closs presents the Protevangelium itself, based on Mary’s testimony regarding her birth, childhood, Immaculate Conception, and the birth of Jesus. The full text is included, with footnotes for each verse providing historical context, biblical parallels between Mary’s story and Old Testament figures, semantic insights, and interpretations of key events.
He was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Michael was inspired to write The Book of Mary after years of studying ancient biblical texts and recognizing the gaps in commonly known Christian teachings. The Protevangelium of James fascinated him due to its unique perspective on Mary’s life, a perspective often neglected in mainstream Christian theology. Closs wanted to highlight how this ancient document provides insights into Jewish customs, early Christian beliefs, and the deep spiritual significance of Mary’s journey.
To delve deeper into Michael’s inspiration behind his book, you can watch the full interview below:
In partnership with ARPress Michael P. Closs held a successful book signing event during the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California. The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held on April 26–27 at USC, marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community. As one of the most significant cultural events in the country, the festival attracted a large and diverse crowd. For example, the 2024 festival drew over 150,000 attendees, and the 2025 event featured more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, along with hundreds of exhibitors.
Michael P. Closs’s book, The Book of Mary, received critical acclaim and a recommendation from Haley Koth of the US Review of Books. Koth noted:
“This is a thorough, insightful, and diligent commentary on an ancient text that is not widely known yet forms the basis of the Gospel stories Christians are intimately familiar with. Closs gently encourages readers to think critically of the stories they may have taken for granted, to “insert ourselves into the narrative,” as he states at one point. He shows great compassion for the historical figures, noting, for example, that the immaculate conception of Mary “would be a nightmare for any woman, to find herself pregnant and not know how it happened. The entire scene is very spiritually painful to both Joseph and Mary.” He provides bold critiques of other scholars but offers sufficient evidence to back up his conclusions. He also anticipates criticism of his own positions by preemptively providing solid resources and background for his arguments. He guides readers step-by-step through a meticulously crafted commentary, into which he evidently poured his heart and soul. It is a beautiful guide for anyone interested in delving more deeply into the origins of Christianity.”
The book was displayed at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse). The fair, in its 77th edition, felt like a live pulse of the book-world: five days where ideas, culture, commerce, discovery and connection all collided in one place. This year, the fair added several new layers of energy. For starters, the Guest of Honour was the Philippines, presenting under the theme “The imagination peoples the air.” That meant a special pavilion, a series of cultural and literary events highlighting Filipino voices and storytelling traditions.
Also, it was showcased at the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025, which took place from July 16–22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming. Culinary literature from around the world was showcased, offering insights into food’s role in traditions, health habits, and even the future of dining through tech innovations. The World of Art & Culture zone elevated the experience, blending interactive art, dynamic videos, music, and literary commentary. Eight artists and several embassy installations illustrated how a dining table can be a cultural microcosm.
Just recently, the book was showcased at the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, held from June 26–30 in Philadelphia, was a powerful, high-energy gathering of over 14,000 librarians, educators, authors, and exhibitors from around the world. Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the event pulsed with a sense of urgency and purpose.
It was also featured at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). The 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), held from June 18 to 22, 2025, unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of literary innovation, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. Hosted at the China National Convention Center, this year’s fair showcased over 400,000 titles and introduced groundbreaking initiatives that highlighted the evolving landscape of global publishing.
Visit Michael P. Closs ‘s website at https://michaelcloss.com/.
Watch the trailer now and deepen your knowledge of biblical history or uncover new dimensions of Mary’s story.