From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

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Cline, a professor at George Washington University who has written several popular books on biblical studies and archaeology, here turns his attention to some of the most enduring biblical mysteries: Was there really a Garden of Eden, and if so, where was it? What happened to Noah's ark? Did the Israelites really trek through the desert for 40 years? What happened to the 10 lost tribes of Israel? These are topics that can and have filled up numerous books of their own, but what Cline intends here is a quick overview, a brisk trip through some of the great mysteries of biblical history, advancing his own theories about what happened and mentioning alternative opinions.In the final chapter, on the lost tribes, for example, after offering persuasive arguments for his opinion that most of the Jews of the time fled to Judah or intermarried with the Assyrians, who occupied the land, he then says, definitively, These people were never lost. An accessibly written introduction that will likely prompt readers to dig deeper. Cooper, Ilene

Review

"In a world that turns more and more to irrational views of history, Eric Cline demythologizes the 'mysteries of the Bible.'He does so with the force of reason, using clear language and a perfect command of the ancient records and the finds from the field."
—Israel Finkelstein, Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University, author of The Bible Unearthed

"Eric Cline explores some of the most challenging mysteries of the Bible, from the location of the mythic Garden of Eden to the historical question of how the Ten Lost Tribes were lost. A stimulating and fluent read throughout, and always instructive."
—Baruch Halpern, Pennsylvania State University, author of David's Secret Demons

"Cline is a serious scholar in full command of the subject matter and the available material evidence for recovering and reconstructing the history of Israel in its ancient Near Eastern context."
—David Noel Freedman, University of California at San Diego, author of The Nine Commandments

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; illustrated edition edition (June 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426200846
• ISBN-13: 978-1426200847
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #526,944 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly and eminently readable, July 1, 2007

By	Janet Harris - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In "From Eden to Exile," Eric H. Cline takes several library stacks' worth of biblical, archaeological and enthusiasts' ponderings on the mysteries of the Bible and delivers a highly readable, cogent explanation of their findings. Written in part as a companion piece to National Geographic Channel's television series on the same topics, this is no lightweight transcription of those shows, but rather a scholarly work of merit. Cline's writing is clear, conversational and at times witty as he weighs theories about each of these biblical mysteries against three points of evidence: biblical sources, non-biblical sources and empirical archaeology. Most impressive, however, is that "From Eden to Exile" does not simply present the data; Cline bravely delivers conclusions based on the evidence and his own well-respected expertise in the fields of ancient history and archaeology. Alternative theories by armchair archaeologists and untrained amateurs are given their due where appropriate, but Cline does not hesitate to dash unfounded notions with fact and reason. The reader is left with an unambiguous pronouncement on each of the mysteries addressed; even when the pronouncement is that the data is inconclusive, the reader clearly understands the wherefore and the why. Reading "From Eden to Exile" is like sitting in on a distinguished lecture series about the most enduring biblical and archaeological questions of the modern era.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Methodology is all important, June 27, 2007

By	Walter R. Mattfeld - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The single most valuable item for me is the author's explanation of the scholarly processes or methodologies which are needed to undertake any investigation. Wrong premises or presuppositions can result in wrong-headed conclusions. Cline explains these scholarly methodologies and uses them in his investigations. Subjects he adresses are: (1) The Garden of Eden; (2) Noah's Ark and the Flood; (3) Sodom and Gomorrah's location; (4)The dating of the Exodus; (5) The Fall of Jericho; (6) The Ark of the Covenant; (7) The Lost Tribes of Israel. Each of the seven has its own "problems" and he carefully notes them and attempts to come to grips with them. Are we dealing with truth or fiction? How to determine which? The book is an engrossing read and its scholarly methodologies ought to be helpful to all who are interested in these subjects.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History of the Bible, August 20, 2007

By	H. G. Schmelzer (Hilton Head Island, SC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With "From Eden to Exile", Eric Cline has written a great book that I would like to describe with a sequence of adjectives: beautifully clear, concise, short but all encompassing, understanding of problems with religious readership, based on profound studies, knowledge and experience. If I could I would make this book a "compulsory" reading in many "religious societies".