Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present

Amazon.com
A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People, edited by Eli Barnavi, is one of those rare books that can literally make a reader gasp with delight and horror. It may even be the best one-volume history of Judaism in print. Beginning with "The Migrations of the Patriarchs," and continuing to the present day, the book's chapters include historical maps, timelines, illustrations and photographs, and narrative essays by leading historians (such as Moshe Idel) that help readers not only understand but visualize the movements of the Jewish people. The editors have chosen not to structure the story as leading inexorably to the Holocaust and the rise of Israel, although both events are covered in some detail. Instead, they have depicted the rich variety of lives established by the Diaspora in such far-flung places as China and England, and have been equally attentive to the joys and triumphs of Jews, both in everyday life and in national cultures, as to the considerable tragedies Jews have endured. The text of this book is smart and readable, but the real joy of the atlas is its illustrations, many of which are rarely seen, such as 20th-century artist Abel Pann's depiction of the creation of Adam, "He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." It's the kind of image that reminds you that life really is a gift, and makes you savor it. --Michael Joseph Gross


From Library Journal
Publishing an atlas purporting to cover the history of the Jewish people from antiquity to the present is a courageous, even audacious act, particularly when all this is to be done in fewer than 300 pages. Yet this atlas of the Jewish people succeeds beautifully in doing just that. It is broader in scope than Evyatar Friesel's Atlas of Modern Jewish History ( LJ 1/91), which only deals with the modern period, and more in depth than Martin Gilbert's Illustrated Atlas of Jewish Civilization: 4000 Years of Jewish History ( LJ 3/1/91). Covering three millennia of Jewish history and culture through a combination of concise text, accurate and well-drawn maps, and a sumptuous array of photographs, diagrams, and reproductions of paintings, this atlas succeeds in covering all the main themes of the Jewish experience. The material is arranged chronologically and systematically, and a glossary and index are included. The result is a reference that will profit both scholars and lay readers. Highly recommended for all libraries.- Je huda Reinharz, Tauber Inst., Brandeis Univ., Waltham, Mass.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
The history of the Jews spans more than two millenia and encompasses most parts of the globe--an extraordinary saga which is set forth pictorially in this comprehensive, and richly illustrated and designed volume. With hundreds of brilliantly detailed maps, photographs, and drawings, and chronologies and commentaries by leading experts, A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People is both an authoritative reference work and a sumptuous gift volume.


Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French


From the Inside Flap
The history of the Jews spans more than two millenia and encompasses most parts of the globe--an extraordinary saga which is set forth pictorially in this comprehensive, and richly illustrated and designed volume. With hundreds of brilliantly detailed maps, photographs, and drawings, and chronologies and commentaries by leading experts, A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People is both an authoritative reference work and a sumptuous gift volume.


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This atlas succeeds beautifully (Jehuda Reinharz is President, Brandeis University) — Jehuda Reinharz


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