A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present [Hardcover]

Eli Barnavi (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994

The history of the Jews spans more than two millenia and encompasses most parts of the globe--an extraordinary saga which is set forth pictorially in this comprehensive, and richly illustrated and designed volume. With hundreds of brilliantly detailed maps, photographs, and drawings, and chronologies and commentaries by leading experts, A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People is both an authoritative reference work and a sumptuous gift volume.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People, edited by Eli Barnavi, is one of those rare books that can literally make a reader gasp with delight and horror. It may even be the best one-volume history of Judaism in print. Beginning with "The Migrations of the Patriarchs," and continuing to the present day, the book's chapters include historical maps, timelines, illustrations and photographs, and narrative essays by leading historians (such as Moshe Idel) that help readers not only understand but visualize the movements of the Jewish people. The editors have chosen not to structure the story as leading inexorably to the Holocaust and the rise of Israel, although both events are covered in some detail. Instead, they have depicted the rich variety of lives established by the Diaspora in such far-flung places as China and England, and have been equally attentive to the joys and triumphs of Jews, both in everyday life and in national cultures, as to the considerable tragedies Jews have endured. The text of this book is smart and readable, but the real joy of the atlas is its illustrations, many of which are rarely seen, such as 20th-century artist Abel Pann's depiction of the creation of Adam, "He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." It's the kind of image that reminds you that life really is a gift, and makes you savor it. --Michael Joseph Gross

From the Inside Flap

The history of the Jews spans more than two millenia and encompasses most parts of the globe--an extraordinary saga which is set forth pictorially in this comprehensive, and richly illustrated and designed volume. With hundreds of brilliantly detailed maps, photographs, and drawings, and chronologies and commentaries by leading experts, A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People is both an authoritative reference work and a sumptuous gift volume.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Schocken (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805241272
• ISBN-13: 978-0805241273
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #554,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Informative Book About Jews!, January 13, 2001

By 

Dan Hazony (Newton, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present (Hardcover)

I had received this book from two people, one from a very good friend of my father's, and once from a good friend of mine. I had used this as a resource for research projects in my middle school and in my Hebrew High School as well. This book has information about many well known, and not so well known Jewish events. It starts in 2500BCE with The Migration of The Patriarchs and goes all the way to Modern Israel in the 1990s. This book has many diagrams, photographs, and paragraphs explaining how the Jews were always everywhere in a hidden or obvious way. This would be an excellent gift for a bar mitzvah (when I had gotten it twice), bat mitzvah, birthday or any occassion for that matter. It is as well an excellent book to have as reference. I strongly suggest this book to any one wishing to find information about Jews playing an influence in the world.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What *doesn't* this book have?, May 4, 2003

By 

Heather (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present (Hardcover)

"The Historical Atlas of the Jewish People" is a wonderful reference book on the history of the Jews. It has beautiful photos and maps and any information you could possibly want on the historical and cultural background of Judaism. Great to give as a gift... or keep on your coffee table of browsing.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and informative book, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present (Hardcover)

Excellent and informative book for those who wants to learn jewish history and geography. It has plenty of valuable illustrations, maps and photos.