The Source [Paperback]

JAMES A. MICHENER (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1992

In the grand storytelling style that is his signature, James Michener dramatizes one of the most riveting and important developments in world civilization: the birth and full flowering of Judaism. Beginning with a group of modern-day archaeologists digging at a site in Makor, Michener sweeps us back through time to the very beginning of the Jewish faith thousands of years before. Here is the entire history of the Jews: the first religions, the transition to monotheism, the life of the early Hebrews and how they were persecuted, the impact of Christianity, the Crusades, and the Spanish Inquisition, all the way to the founding of present-day Israel and the Middle East conflict. Through the eayes of the archaeologists - an Irish Catholic from Chicago, an Arab who lives in Israel, a German Jew, his Israeli fiancee, and the wealthy American financing the dig - we experience the panorama of Jewish history, filled with passion, pain, and enormous faith.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ballantine; FIRST EDITIION edition (1992)
• ISBN-10: 0449211479
• ISBN-13: 978-0449211472
• ASIN: B000I82O5S
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #910,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding historical fiction, February 20, 2004

By 

Bryan Case (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Source (Hardcover)

The Source is essentially the story of Jewish history from about 10,000 BCE.
Michener is well known for making "place" the focal point of his stories, and in this book the "place" is an archeological dig in the Middle East near the Sea of Galilee. The earliest section of the book introduces the dig and the principle characters (the archaeologists) who begin excavating the tell (the mound that is the dig site) and unearthing artifacts. Each chapter then recounts the story behind each artifact they find and how it got there. The order is chronological, beginning about 12,000 years ago and ending in the mid-twentieth century.
It is essentially a very entertaining history lesson disguised as a historical novel. It is easily digestible, or "history light", but a great introduction for those not wanting to read what some refer to as the "dry history" of traditional history texts.
The archaeologists make brief appearances throughout the various stories and do a lot of philosophizing about the relations between the Jews, Christians, and Moslems and the various moral dilemmas each group has faced at various times throughout history. I found it interesting, though some may find it a bit forced.
Overall, if you do like historical fiction, this is one of the best!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Put Down, November 5, 2003

By 

tstroeb "tstroeb" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Source (Hardcover)

Not all Michener is created equal. This is his very best. It tells the story of the formation of the three great western religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam using the metaphor of an archeological dig in Israel. As each layer is uncovered, heart-rendering stories of delightful lives, misery and tragedy are presented. This book helps anyone better understand and appreciate the benefits of religious and cultural tolerance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Books, November 18, 2011

By 

R. Sheehan "456838" (Southington, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Source (Hardcover)

I received the book on time an in the condition it was presented in. I have not finished it yet, but so far it is an excellent read. Michener one of the best for detail and accuracy.