The book is first critical study of the canonical gospels which is based on both Markan priority, Luke's use of Mark and Matthew, and John's use of all three synoptic gospels. Its aim is both to provide a new critical portrait of Peter in the gospels and to propose a new source and redaction theory. By a close reading of the gospels, the book explains the gospel authors' intentions with respect not only to their creative rewriting of the figure of Peter, but also to their gospel sources.