Ancient Israel (The Development of Western Civilization) [Paperback]

Harry M. Orlinsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1960 | Series: The Development of Western Civilization

This revised edition, published in 1960, brings up to date a book first published in 1954-a concisely organized, simply written account of the society that produced the Bible. As the author traces the fluctuating fortunes of the Hebrews and Israelites between about 2000 and 300 B.C.E., the reader can see how Jewish religious concepts developed in the context of actual historical situations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Orlinsky . . . not only writes with the authority that comes from a profound knowledge of modern biblical scholarship but also with the insight of one who dearly loves the Scriptures of the Hebrew people. . . . Highly rewarding for the general reader."-Benito Celada, Bibliotheca Orientalis, January 1964

"A lucid and excellent account of the history of ancient Israel from its earliest beginnings to the establishment of the post-exilic Judaism subsequent to the work of Nehemiah and Ezra. . . . It was designed for college survey classes and it is eminently suited to this function, but as well should prove illuminating and highly rewarding for the general reader. . . . Orlinsky's book is stimulating; its presentation delightfully clear; and even when the reader disagrees, he finds himself endorsing o the full the major emphasis and outlook. It is a book to be heartily welcomed."-William A. Irwin, Journal of Near Eastern Studies, January 1956 (reviewing the first edition)

"A first-class introductory work for the uninitiated, and one that can be read with profit by the mature student and scholar. Its brevity should tempt no one to disdain. In short compass this book contains the precipitate of years of study and reflection."-Norman K. Gottwald, Review of Religion, March 1955 (reviewing the first edition)

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press; 2 edition (September 30, 1960)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080149849X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801498497
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #457,472 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A peek into the roots of Western Civilization, May 20, 2009

By 

Novathinker (Northern Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Israel (The Development of Western Civilization) (Paperback)

Ancient Israel by Harry Orlinsky is the first book in the Development of Western Civilization series from Cornell University Press. In it, Dr. Orlinsky traces the steps of the Jewish people from their early origins in the Fertile Crescent, through Egyptian captivity, the Exodus, the period of the Judges, the Kingdom, the Babylonian exile and eventually to the Restoration.

Like many scholars, Dr. Orlinsky dismisses the historical credibility of the supernatural events recorded in the Bible and doubts the direct, personal interaction between God and people. Even so, he affirms the Bible as "constituting unusually reliable historical documents of antiquity." This good little book is an easy to read, relatively short survey of the Old Testament. He intertwines the historical record with the prophetic message to form a clear picture of the ancient Jewish life.

As good as this book is, Dr. Orlinsky, I'm quite sure, would recommend that you just go straight to the source. Want to know the history of ancient Israel? Just read the Bible.