The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas (Hardcover)

by Jean-Pierre Isbouts (Author), Bruce Chilton (Foreword)
Key Phrases: covenant law, drainage coastlines, country boundaries, Near East, Valley of Jezreel, Sea of Galilee (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
The scope of the biblical world is large, but this mass of history is concisely packaged in The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas. Like most National Geographic material, the work is professional, thorough, and geared not to scholars but to the average person. Readers will enjoy the balance between the visual and the verbal. The visual component includes photos, artwork, archaeological images, and, of course, maps. The photos are prolific and in full color. The maps, numbering slightly more than 45, are typically large, with plenty of detail. Like many biblically based atlases, the verbal portion of the volume consists largely of a retelling of scripture, with occasional insights that a scholar can offer.  The atlas is organized by biblical chronology, complete with a running time line across the bottom of roughly half the pages. The time line spans from about 9000 BCE to 392 CE. Numerous sidebars are scattered throughout the volume, highlighting topics related to the corresponding text. Among the subjects addressed in the sidebars are Assyrian astronomy, the secret of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the dating of the Exodus, and what Jesus may have looked like. The volume concludes with an index of moderate length and a list of further-reading suggestions for each of the book’s 11 chapters. The tone and appearance of the atlas suggest an audience that may not wish to get bogged down in technical information. Its photos and maps are pleasing to the eye and serve to break up (and complement) the text in a well-balanced manner. This combination makes The Biblical World a user-friendly tool for a nonacademic library collection. Those looking for a wider selection of maps—even those highlighting less-significant biblical events—may prefer The Carta Bible Atlas, previously, The Macmillan Bible Atlas (1993), which boasts more than 250 maps. --Wade Osburn

Product Description
Casting the tumultuous history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam against the rich canvas of the Near East, The Biblical World reveals how three great religions emerged from the same cradle. Author Jean-Pierre Isbouts employs a non-denominational perspective and a wide range of sources—from ancient hieroglyphic texts to the latest scientific findings—to place Bible stories in the framework of history. Chronologically arranged chapters detail battles, conquests, tribal migrations, natural calamities, and more, supporting the stories with intriguing archaeological evidence. To locate sites and events, National Geographic cartographers have created fifty all-new maps of stunning quality. Hundreds of photographs and artifacts add visual excitement. Quick-read timelines link events across cultures while illustrated sidebars focus on what life was like during each era: family roles, farming, trade, dress, childbirth, burial customs, and other aspects of daily existence.

The story traces the evolution of Judaism from Abraham to the Unified Kingdom of Israel... chronicles the emergence of Christianity in the context of Greco-Roman civilization... and identifies the unique circumstances that prepared for the rise of Islam. The multi-dimensional approach weighs similarities and differences among the three faiths and follows developments in nearby lands. With a foreword from bestselling author Bruce Chilton and text reviewed by distinguished advisers, The Biblical World offers a carefully researched, balanced view of history and religious tradition. For its scope, beauty, and relevance in today's world, this unparalleled atlas is destined to become a classic.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (November 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426201389
• ISBN-13: 978-1426201387
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #90,849 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Atlas that should apeal to people of all faiths!, December 10, 2007

By	Petey Wheat (USA) - See all my reviews

This Is unlike any bible atlas I have read before.It Is a great book to read, especially In these times. we today could learn a lot from the past, and this atlas Is a great place to start. It reviews the history, geography and culture of the holy land.Full of beautiful pictures,photos maps and filed with very Interesting facts on life in bible times.It Is written from a non biased viewpoint, which should appeal to all, except those who take every story In the bible on face value. Highly recommended.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, December 28, 2007

By	Laura Bigelow "wife, mom & poodle Lover" (Phila. Pa.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bought this for my husband. He forund this book interesting and enlightening.The quality is excellent.He read and reread several times.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biblical World , December 12, 2007

By	Wube Kumsa - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This Illustrated Atlas did help me much to understand more about the Biblical Place. Looking to the pictures and reading at the same time felt like as if I was there. It is like visiting a holy place, because the picture says all.