The book is an attempt to reconstruct the era and biography of the biblical king Solomon—an often-referenced figure in numerous apocryphal writings, legends, and fairy tales. Drawing on the works of theologians and historians, as well as on the latest archaeological discoveries, the author not only summarizes different viewpoints on the existence of King Solomon, but also presents his own vision of this controversial figure as a statesman, builder of the Jerusalem Temple, poet, and philosopher. At the same time, the book retells a significant portion of the legends about King Solomon, along with an analysis of which real facts and historical events might have served as their basis. The edition is intended both for secular and religious readers who are interested in the Bible and ancient history.