Customer Reviews

Jerusalem Walks (Henry Holt Walks Series)

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Jerusalem Walks is a fantastic book for those who are traveling to Jerusalem. Having lived and studied in Jerusalem myself, I am confident in saying that you will have a hard time finding a book that has this much information in a guide book format. The 6 walking tours offer something for everybody, and I can think of no more enjoyable way to get to know the city. The focus of the walks is of course the Old City, but she also offers a couple of walks in Western Jerusalem. I have taken tours all over Israel and Jerusalem, but I have not seen another source offer such a variety and depth of historical and fun information about the turbulent history of Jerusalem. From the Patriarchs to the Romans to the founding of Israel, if it happened in Jerusalem, it is probably in this book.

Jerusalem is a city of such intricacy and layers of meaning that it can only be appreciated on foot, but it is so complex that you could walk around on your own forever wihtout really seeing it . Rosovsky takes you by the hand and shows you the courtyards, the buildings made out of pieces of other buildings, the ordinary-looking spots where history happened. Of course, Jerusalem is a prosperous city and the constant construction sometimes throws a wall across your path. Don't let that stop you, just circumvent the obstacle and pick up the tour at the next point of interest.

First saw this book at our B&B in Jerusalem. My husband and I are not really "tour group" people, Like to strike out on our own. It was most helpful in our exploration of the area. I have always liked to find the out-of-the-way places and found out all kinds of cool info about little things the average tourist wouldn't know to look for. Bought the book to help remember everything we saw

This book is most helpful regarding the Old City's Christian Quarter. The other "tours" outside the Old City walls are interesting from an Israeli/Jewish perspective since they have such a bias. The author repeatedly points out how slummy and garbage-strewn certain areas were before the Jewish immigrants tidied things up. I found that annoying. On my most recent visit, I was most interested in learning more about the Mughabi Quarter formerly located in front of the Western Wall. This author mentions that Morroccans once lived there but neglects to explain that Israel bulldozed the entire neighborhood just days after the Six-Day War. That's a grave omission.

If you have the time needed to follow the guidance in this book, you will find it to be a most worthwhile purchase. Although several years old, it's still new enough to lead the way through the various revelations that one can find in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Bought this book based on other reviews that said it filled a gap of providing a good commentary on walks around Jerusalem without being overpowering. I beg to differ! Just reading a few pages made my eyes glaze over. No way could I stay awake and read an entire "tour" of 20+ pages. Way too many tangents within the "tours". Should have pulled those out in a sidebar. Great idea for a book, but poorly executed IMHO.