History of Israel and the Holy Land [Paperback]

Michael Avi-Yohah (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

In its entirety the story told here spans all of recorded history. It is a story of momentous events and mighty nations, of the birth of great religions and of foreign conquests, of longing and renewal. The scholars who have produced this work have woven an engrossing, continuous narrative out of the historical materials, presenting a rich array of peoples and cultures, from the ancient Hebrews and their neighbors down to the time of Jesus and the Roman wars and then on through the Arab and Crusader conquests, the Mameluk domination, the long period of Turkish rule, British Mandate, and the rebirth of Israel. An integral part of the story is the magnificent selection of photographs illustrating the land, its sites, its ruins, and its treasures. This expanded millennium edition of A History of Israel and the Holy Land takes the story into the twenty-first century with a new and comprehensive survey of the State of Israel from its establishment to the present day. The new material includes a review of political, economic, and social developments in Israel and summaries of the country's wars and the peace process.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Given the deep emotional currents that are integral to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it may be unrealistic to expect an objective history of the area in dispute. Yet this collection of scholarly essays makes a valiant effort. Arranged in chronological order, they cover the history of the "Holy Land" from prehistoric times to the current peace negotiations. Although most of the scholars are Israeli, there is no effort here to discount the richly diverse ethnic and religious heritage of the land. Hanoch Reviv provides some fascinating and provocative views of the supposed conflicts between Israelites and Canaanites. Moshe Sharon sheds light upon the meticulous planning that lay behind the Arab invasion of Syria and Palestine. Emmanuel Sivan's description of life for Moslems and Jews under the onslaught of the Crusaders is both informative and moving. Very useful drawings, photographs, and maps supplement the text of these fine essays. This anthology serves as an outstanding general history of a land that will remain at the forefront of the world's consciousness for the foreseeable future. Jay Freeman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"The fact that Michael Avi-Yonah's name remains on the title is a tribute to a scholar who died as long ago as 1974 but whose work has stood the test of time . . . The new edition reviews and updates social, economic and political developments . . . It remains a magisterial work offering the reader the span of 'all recorded history.'" --Methodist Recorder, 7 March 2002

"The scholarship is excellent."--The Living Church, April 28, 2002

“This highly informative work divides the history of the land and the nation of Israel…written by seven highly-qualified authors.… Anati’s chapter offers a fascinating look at the prehistory of the Holy Land covering topics such as ‘The Age of Hunting and Gathering’ and ‘The Age of Early Agriculture.’… Reviv admirably covers almost 3,000 years of Holy Land and Israelite history in 77 pages.…Avi-Yonah provides an exceptional overview on Hellenization and the Jewish resistance to Hellenization. Avi-Yonah’s section alone is well worth the book’s reasonable price. Sharon provides a comprehensive summary of the rise of Islam as well as a description of Jerusalem in the Muslim tradition.…A History of Israel and the Holy Land provides an exceptional and understandable overview in a single, concise volume. In addition to the historical recap, A History of Israel and the Holy Land provides a resource in which the authors do an excellent job illustrating the significance of this geographical area, not only to Jews, but to Christians and Muslims alike.…the book’s pictures, although in black and which, make a contribution as well.…the book’s foreword…provides a succinct and stimulating description.” –JCS (Journal of Church and State), Autumn 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826415261
• ISBN-13: 978-0826415264
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,110,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)