5 comments about The Mars Mystery: The Secret Connection Between Earth and the Red Planet.

1. This is among the earlier of Graham Hancock's remarkable series of books on unknown Human History. It concerns a possible connection in the ancient human past between Earth and Mars, which the writer postulates hosted a Human civilisation before it got destroyed in a cataclysm caused by a cometary or asteriod impact. Either there was a sister civilisation on Earth, or the remnants from the Martian one escaped and came here to start afresh, and thus Ancient Egypt was where they "unloaded" their legacy. He dated Ancient Egypt's legacy as belonging far back in the hidden mists of millenia untold, linking it to this Martian civilisation, instead of its "official" starting date of circa 3100 BCE. The "story" therefore is remarkable and astounding. But Hancock, in this book, also deliberately deconstructs his previous, equally remarkable and plausible ice-age theory for the destruction of such an ancient technological global, antediluvian civilisation for which he cites the theories of Charles Hapgood and others, and for which overwhelming evidence otherwise exists, transcending interdisciplinary boundaries. This theory was based on the Earth's cyclical axial precession as well as the related possibility of its crust shifting catastrophically, and was at the core of his "debut" book, "Fingerprints of the Gods". His new asteroid-impact theory is as equally as forceful as the axis-shift one he replaces, and such abrupt changes of view could cause doubt in the minds of his readers, even those with superior intellects and education who could reconcile both these aspects of view. He does touch upon this disparity of his on P.254 of the book, but cursorily and briefly.
   He treats the example of the present day scarred and desolate planet Mars as a warning for what could happen to our present "high" civilisation now populating Earth. Elsewhere, he also speculates on a conspiracy by the powers-that-be to conceal what happened to Mars - and therefore Mankind's actual history - so as to be able to control their societies, which might otherwise become restive and panick stricken in the face of such knowledge and eventualities. After all, the elites are mature and powerful enough to be able to contemplate awful disasters coolly and in the face - which an ordinary Tom, Dick and Harry can't otherwise even think of, let alone bear! In the last chapter of this book titled "Dark Star", he writes mournfully to the effect that just as humanity seems to be lifting itself to superior levels of cultural, technological and spiritual expression, along comes a global cataclysm forcing them back to square one: to begin as mountain shepherds and hunters all over again, carrying with them the tales of lost Golden Ages of science and culture. This forces him to contemplate mournfully, along Gnostic lines, as to whether God is indeed all-good and love as the "classic" scriptures would have one believe - or whether "He" is a Duality: Evil as well as Good. He then supplies the answers, and so do his other excellent books which I recommend to Amazon readers, "The Lords of Poverty" and "Journey Through Pakistan". The influence of devilish forces aside, it seems we ourselves become The Devil when our lofty achievements get overtaken and harnessed to base desires and consumeristic greed, leading inevitably to some kind of disaster... That is evident right now, in this most critical time recorded Human history has ever known.



2. This book is right on the subject for me. Could this be true???? I think so



3. You could read the title as "A warning from history that could save life on earth" or you could read the book and justify that it should have read "A rambling from conspirators that could ignite paranoia on earth."
   
   Joke beside, this was actually very enlightening. I just thought it's be some crackpot ideas about Mars. I was 95% sold on the idea when they got into the mathmatics, which match those of ancient earth monuments. Reading that part alone sent me into shivers with a wide-eyed gaze. The second part which grabbed me was the section on camets and astroids. The truth is straight told and this alone will leave you wide-eyed. Getting into the speculation will just send your eyes drooping from their sockets.
   
   So, the mathmatics and the comets were the best parts of the book. The rest was just filler - getting from one point to another.



4. For centuries, humanity has wondered about our near neighbour in the solar system. From authors to scientists to laymen, the planet Mars has long been a source of wonder and interest. Could there be life there? This book is one of the more recent attempts to argue for the prospects of life on Mars, albeit in the distant past. While this is not a great book in the classical sense- its themes hop around quite a bit, incorporating many seemingly unrelated ideas- it is an essential source of information that the mainstream has either tried to surpress for ages or just simply didn't know about- hence the indignation of some critics of the work.
   What makes it credible for me is the authors' incorporation of scientific data and geometric measurements that lend credence to their claims of a global catastrophe on Mars at a time when it had an advanced civilisation. Had they stuck to this theme throughout and developed it a bit further, I would have given the work 5 stars instead of 4. Nevertheless, I feel that the authors have touched upon a reality that is now being revealed too slowly and a little too painfully: that we are not and have never really been alone.



5. I'm sure Graham Hancock has to walk a very fine line in order to get published and to have become as popular as he has. This is simply the price every writer, journalist, reporter, or TV personality must pay if they want to be embraced by the "mainstream". Granted, Hancock is more towards the "fringe" of said mainstream, but he has many published works and documentaries under his belt so he hasn't truly stepped on any toes if you get my meaning. He still must be embraced at least somewhat by the Big Boys from NYC, London, and Tel Aviv.
   
   In light of more recent information and photos by other researchers (like Hoagland and Twietmeyer), there can be absolutely ZERO DOUBT that NASA is (and has been for the last 50 years) a lying, criminal pack of dirty dogs. They have been shown by many different people over numerous times to have shamelessly covered up, or destroyed, or misdirected the truth. Now, understanding the entire truth is not easy of course, but it can be safely said the NASA has given us none of it at any time in their history, despite being funded by tax payers. Naturally, they are under the umbrella of "National Security" laws like every government and military entity, so that will ultimately be their excuse when the lid is blown off the truth at some time in the relatively near future and the public is calling for their heads.
   
   Now, what is it that NASA is hiding you ask? Well, many things, but the area that this book touches upon is whether or not there are artificial structures on Mars and if there is a connection with those structures to sites on Earth (such as the pyramids in Egypt). Well, if any half-wit views ALL the latest material in this arena, then same said half-wit would have to say that there is no longer ANY DOUBT that there are an incredible collection of artificial structures on Mars. And I mean jaw dropping incredible. And although it is true that some of this information was not available to Hancock in the late 1990s, enough of it was that I'm forced to say "shame on you Graham".
   
   At one point in the book, Hancock actually states that he doesn't believe that any conspiracy is occuring at NASA, rather it is just an all persuasive innocent "mind set". And then I simply puked over the arm of my sofa... What a ridiculous claim. The fact that Hancock uses so many NASA and JPL people for info / quotes in this book kind of backs him into a corner that he can't escape from. Although, this is the same problem for any mainstream person wanting to discuss anything off planet, because 99.9% of the data / info / analysis / pictures etc that can be obtained publicly come from NASA or a NASA / government controlled entity. How bloody convenient. Think about that: a very small group of secretive people control the release of everything you have ever read or heard or looked at in regards to "Space". Everything. In regards to Hancock, he just isn't allowed to state that, so he has to pussy foot around the obvious and hold back the logical conclusions. Luckily, there are a relatively small group of people who have spent many decades sniffing around NASA and examining in tremendous detail everything that NASA claims to collect or release in terms of data and photos. Some of these people actually work or have contracted with NASA, and are thus insiders "blowing their whistles". It is these people who have come closer to the truth, have made the more logical conclusions, and have definately stepped on a few toes. Their collective information is beyong jaw dropping now.
   
   But, in regards to Graham Hancock, he is still useful for general introductions into the "bizarre realms of science", but less so these days because of the internet. So unlike many reviewers who have dissed the author, I'm doing so because he has become too mainstream, not a crazy conspiracist. If he was the latter, his books wouldn't exist to review on Amazon...

5 comments about Archaeological Perspectives on the Battle of Little Bighorn.

1. Even though I know all the writers of this book, I'm still NOT biased when I say that Scotts, et al book has changed interpretation dramatically on the Little Bighorn fight. Having worked at the Little Bighorn Battlefield as an interpreter in 1985, I personally know how this interpretation changed, i.e. before the archaeological digs of 1984-85, most of us believed that Custer's men fell mostly to arrows. We now know that the U.S. soldier's were outgunned, thanks to this field work and as reported in the book.
   
   Since Scott's final report, headstones on the battlefield marking where "unknown soldier's" fell have been replaced by actual names, e.g. Mitch Bouyer. This reality came to place thanks to the forensic work of Dr. Clyde Snow (his complete report is included in this book).
   
   Finally, Scott and his team create a vivid picture of where the soldiers and the Indian warriors moved over the battlefield fighting for what they believed was right.



2. This book goes into great detail about the archeology performed on the battlefield site. It has the feel of being written for an audience of archeologists rather than just a casual reader. If you are an archeologist, the book probably rates a five. If you are really interested in the battle, I also recommend it. If you just want to learn the basics of the battle, howver, other titles are probably more appropriate.



3. I was lucky enough to visit the Battlefield in 1984 shortly after the fire and the first field season. I have visited it twice more since. The last time I was armed with not only Richard Allen Fox's book but this one as well.
   
   Having an abiding interest in the battle for over 30 years it is amazing how the application of good sound science has unraveled many of the "mysteries" and myths associated with what happened on those dusty slopes the day of the battle.
   
   This book delves more into the personal fate of numerous combatants as evidenced by their remains found on the battlefield.
   
   The mere fact that so numerous remains were there to be found after reported exhumation and reburial under the monument, shows that then as now "good enough for government work" still has the same meaning.
   
   If you are interested in the fate of individuals, the nuts and bolts of the recovery of remains, this book is for you. If you are more interested in the unraveling of the mystery of the battle itself. Richard Alan Fox's book Archaeology, History and Custer's Last Battle will appeal to you more. It details the unraveling of the stages of the battle using firearm forensic techniques and puts to bed the notion that Custer died in a glorious last stand.
   
   Rather the famed 7th Cavalry disintegrated into a panic stricken mob, and at the last it was every man for himself, as the last 28 lone survivors on foot and horseback fled Last Stand Hill for the illusion of saftey of the Deep Ravine.
   
   Both books are excellent and both will help final dispel the myths surrounding the battle.



4. Custer's Fall: The Native American Side of the Story
   
   I found 'Archaeological Perspectives on the Battle of Little Bighorn' to be a very interesting read indeed, it served to answer many questions that, up to the time of the archaeological investigations, were not known.
   
   An interesting comment in the book referred to the fact that the investigations backed-up the indian's side of events & refuted that of the army's.
   Many comments made by various authors over the years have also been negated by the evidence unearthed.
   
   I recommend the book mentioned above, ('Custer's Fall'), which is the indian account of the battle; many people I am sure will be dismayed to discover that; Custer was shot down within a few moments of the first charge across the Little Bighorn to attack the indian camp, that the charge immediately halted mid stream & that shortly afterwards the army, faced with overwhelming numbers of indians, commenced it's futile race to try & find a defensive place on high ground.
   
   Unfortunately Custer's luck on that day was not as good as Reno's.
   
   In my opinion, Custer was an egotistical murdering glory hound, he had the opportunity to save his men's lives & failed to heed the word of his scouts.
   He went in with guns blazing & met the fate he truly deserved, there was no last stand, at least not for Custer, that ultimate terror was left for his unfortunate men to face.
   
   My only (minor) criticism of 'Archaeological Perspectives' is that a detailed map of the arenas of battle was not included in the book.
   
   Well done the indians; if only they had overrun Reno & captured his ammunition packs, it could have led to the destruction of the other army detachments closing in upon them, alas... it was not meant to be.



5. Archaeology and the Battle of the Little Big Horn, what's there not to like! Nicely written with fascinating photographs. Starting at $8, what a bargain!

2 comments about The HarperCollins Visual Guide to the New Testament: What Archaeology Reveals about the First Christians.

1. Reed's book makes for both entertaining and educational reading. Going in, I had some general knowledge of critical biblical scholarship, but practically no knowledge of what archeology in the holy lands can actually tell us. I came away with a great appreciation of both the importance and limitations of biblical archeology.
   
   This book is at its absolute best when it describes the context for the creation of particular New Testament texts. Its treatment of the origin of Revelation is extremely enlightening for example. I did, however, occasionally want him to be a little more critical of the historicity of the accounts in the biblical texts themselves. Instead he maintains caution, which is certainly understandable even if a little frustrating.
   
   Overall an excellent read.



2. This book has the best collection of photos that is available for the study of the New Testament. The author explains everything from how archaeology works to what the new discoveries mean for Christians and interested readers of the Bible. It is great that every page has illustrations, maps, and photos. You can really see what the authors of the New Testament were talking about. Reed includes lots of stories from his own experience as an archaeologist in the Holy Land. Great study guide for people interested in knowing more about Jesus and St. Paul.

No comments about An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt.

5 comments about Apocalypse: Earthquakes, Archaeology, and the Wrath of God.

1. Ancient history, archaeology, geology, forensic science, detective work, mystery, etc., this book has it all. According to the principle author, a geophysicist, most archaeologists and historians are not giving enough weight to the possibility that earthquakes have had major influences on human societies in the ancient past. The end of the Bronze Age, around 1200 BC, is offered as one of several important cases in point. By examining physical evidence from various archaeological sites, mainly in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the local geology (tectonic plates, faults, etc.), the author attempts to demonstrate that, in many cases, earthquakes have not been given due credit for much of the devastation observed. Ancient texts are often quoted to reinforce his case and certain biblical passages are re-interpreted in light of his arguments. The writing style is engaging, highly accessible, authoritative and is a model in clarity; some chapters are indeed quite gripping. Fully illustrated with many photographs, charts and maps, this fascinating book can be enjoyed by anyone, although ancient history and archaeology buffs may relish it the most.



2. If you are interested in both earthquake and archaeology, you can find many intersting conncetions between them in this book. Especially, many records depend on religinol references. You can find connection of people and natural events on the life.



3. An outstanding, graphic, presentation of the known apocalypse scenario that is in the process of unfolding worldwide through natural disasters. In fact, it is a no-brainer, spoken to by mystic, prophet and shaman alike for eons. It is an event timed by the celestial clock that we call the 24,000-year full-circle precession of the equinox around the Zodiac. However, recall that the map of cosmic consciousness is not the territory nor the survival's guide; and what I mean by that specifically is that it's nice to know what is coming but it is equally critical to know why -- and from where, not only from beneath the ground but what direction in the night sky? Hint: it is coming at this point in the End-Time because it is the natural cycle of our binary star systems' orbital path, i.e., Sirius and Orion, with our solar system. And it is coming in era-2012 because that is the rebirth cycle of the Sun and Earth in Solar Cycle 24. It is, in other words, when humanity reunites with its light-body double -- our higher self -- and reopens our third eye into the Fifth Dimension.
   
   Read this book now before what I unveil in my book and DVD take us to the PNR (Point-of-No-Return) in 2008!
   
   Dr. John Jay Harper is author of Science of Soul: The End-Time Solar Cycle of Chaos in 2012 A.D. and Tranceformers: Shamans of the 21st Century.



4. "Apocalypse" is a well-written and fascinating discussion of the role that earthquakes may have played in the Bronze Age history of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Nur is a geophysicist who argues that archaeologists are too ready to reject earthquakes as a cause of the widespread devastation that is sometimes found at ancient sites. According to Nur, the archaeologist's preferred interpretation is usually that invading armies caused the destruction.
   
   Nur admits that this interpretation may be right in many cases, but persuasively argues that archaeologists too often ignore evidence that the real cause of the devastation might have been an earthquake. Nur brings a geophysicist's perspective to the archaeologist's world, observing that many ancient sites (such as Mycenae) are affected by significant fault lines that pass directly through ancient ruins, sometimes visibly offsetting walls and staircases. Others ruins contain the remains of people killed thousands of years ago by collapsing walls or ceilings--the skeletons bear the telltale signs of the crushing injuries typical of earthquake victims.
   
   Nur suggests that some ancient abandonments and migrations might have been triggered by earthquakes. For example, some of the devastation usually attributed to the mysterious Sea Peoples may have been caused by earthquakes, either because the earthquakes caused the destruction outright, or because they severely damaged fortifications and killed large numbers of people, leaving cities vulnerable to opportunistic invaders.
   
   Archaeologists have tended to dismiss the earthquake explanation for sometimes widespread devastation in the ancient world because much of it (such as the events around 1200BC that preciptated the Greek Dark Ages) appears to have happened suddenly over an implausibly wide area for an earthquake. But Nur argues that very widespread damage could have been caused by either a single very large earthquake, or by an "earthquake storm" (a cascade of earthquakes caused when one quake increases pressure on another fault, leading to a series of events). Both of these possibilities are fair game from the perspective of a geophysicist, and Nur urges that archaeologists should consider the possibility carefully when interpreting ancient sites.
   
   Nur's book is an enjoyable mix of geology, geophysics, ancient history, geology, and forensics, but it also contains a warning. What happened in the Mediterranean and the Middle East in the ancient world can happen again, as it did during the Jericho Earthquake of 1927. If archaeologists and geophysicists can learn from each other, they are more likely to spot major earthquake hazards that might otherwise be overlooked.



5. Amos Nur has reexamined some of the mysteries of the ancient world and determined that in all likelihood earthquakes were to blame. He and his co writer Dawn Burgess are geophysicists, well able to examine the evidence and conclude that archaeologists, historians, and others who have developed theories about the past without taking seismic events into account are mistaken.
   
   Most of the book examines the events at the end of the Bronze Age, when something caused a widespread collapse in Mediterranean societies. Heretofore most historians had believed that invasions from hostile Sea Peoples and other interlopers had caused this decline, but Nur, after looking at the ruins, examining human remains, and checking sites for the tell tale signs of tremors, is persuasive that the region suffered a deadly rash of earthquakes.
   
   Among the most interesting parts of this book are Nur's examinations of Biblical prophecies to see if they could provide clues about earthquakes and other sesmic events. I also found his discussion of the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 and its impact on Enlightenment Europe fascinating.
   
   This is a well written work, scholarly but accessible to non-scientists. It should have a great influence on new interpretations and understandings of the history of the ancient world.

5 comments about The World of the Vikings.

1. Excellent illustrations and sweeping insights into the era of the Vikings, and their impact on civilization.



2. The World of the Vikings, Richard Hall, Thames&Hudson, is both a well researched work and one with "coffee table" appeal for its great illustrations. It is unusual to find this depth of scholarship combined with illustrations of this quality.
   
   The author brings the Vikings to life again with clear descriptions of the evidence we have about them. You will conclude with the sense that you were there to see them, and you will have plenty of resources to further research any gaps you might feel.



3. This book was exactly what I was looking for. I'm writing a screenplay on the Vikings and this was by far, the best resource for background information. I've read a lot of books, but this one was the best. I recommend that you buy this book first.



4. The books reads like a history book but very well written and gives a very good diversity of information. Covers migration paths and major trade cities. The illustrations are awesome and really complement the book.



5. There are many survey-type histories of the Viking world, stuffed with pretty pictures. What distinguishes Hall's "World of the Vikings" from the rest is his inclusion of information about relatively new finds, and his ability (in light of his experience with the dig in York) to write about them clearly and concisely for a lay audience. A fine book for the person just learning about the Vikings, and still useful for more knowledgeable persons because of the updated archaeological information.

No comments about The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies.

5 comments about The Archaeology of Greece: An Introduction.

1. If you want a nice introduction to the archaeology of the Greek world, this book is a must. With up-to-date archaeological discoveries and theories, lovely pictures, and useful information on all subjects, one truly feels enlightened about the subject through reading this book. A must for all!



2. This book provides the student of Ancient Greece with the foundations of Greek art and architecture. His book is not dry and read fairly quickly (he even managed to make me laugh a few times!) and his expertise is evident in every aspect. I enjoyed reading this book and feel that it deepened my knowledge of this subject.



3. `The Archaeology of Greece' is an excellent book to introduce you to the numerous treasures the Greek world has left behind. Aside from plain information about the artefacts, the book also pays a lot of attention to the social background of the time. As the modern scope of archaeology lies mainly in explaining the past rather than just discovering pots and pans, this information is very welcome. Overall I find that Biers has done an excellent job in writing the book. His information is thorough and detailed and you never get the feeling that something is unclear. The illustrations are superb: you'll find a lot of nice pictures inside that are not just decoration but an essential part of the text.

   Yet, I take one star off because the presentation of the book isn't always as good. First, there is very little `division' in each chapter. Each of the ten chapters has a division into art, architecture, sculpture, painting and mosaics and miscellaneous stuff. But it is not enough. For example, one of the chapters is about a few late-classical sculptors, among them Praxiteles, Skopas and Lysippos. All you see though, is one long batch of text under the header `sculpture'. Especially for students like me, it would be so much more helpful to divide `sculpture' into more parts and put more heads in the text, for example one with `Praxiteles' and one with `Lysippos', etcetera. Now it sometimes becomes unclear what the author is really talking about. Additionally, the author gives a lot of information about different sculptors and styles, but he seldom compares them. And IF he does, the lack of any heads makes the information very difficult to find.

   Another strange thing was the connection between pictures and text. It often happens that the picture a text refers to, is one or two pages ahead of the text itself. So if page 167 refers to figure 9.25, you have to turn the page before you know what it is about. I think this problem could have been avoided easily with some better editing. Alas, the book has some typographical problems but on the level of information it's very useful and informative. I just hope these flaws will be removed in the next edition, but still recommend the book.




4. The book arrived in good condition just days after I ordered it. You saved me some good money on my textbooks! Thanks.



5. I used this book in my first classical archaeology course as an undergraduate, and later to brush up my weak points before the exams for the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Now that I am a professor of classical archaeology, I always use this updated edition as a textbook in university courses that I teach on the subject.
   
   In addition to its great academic and pedagogical merits, I feel good using Professor Biers' book on a personal level, because he is, in my own experience and by all accounts, a kind and honest gentleman.

5 comments about Ancient Turkey: A Traveller's History.

1. Seton Lloyd is known to American public by his commentaries on Public Television documentaries about Turkey. He is a well informed scholar, and trustworthy. Therefore I was offended by the Amsterdam, Holland reviewer who, trying to push his own political agenda, tries to kick dirt on Seton Lloyd. Seton Lloyd writes what is Turkey most famous for: its Greco-Roman, ancient Hittite, and Mesopotanian heritage. Most Americans I know want to go Turkey to see the earliest churches of Christianity, likewise many Europeans enjoy discovering their Christian-Greco-Roman heritage as well. There are a lot of Armenian relics in Turkey, a country with the history of many peoples and cultures. Visitors to those regions know where they are and they go to visit them as well.



2. Apologies to genuine readers who think politics has no place in this column.But I could not help add a very simple fact. If only this Dutch fellow who has spent years as an archeologist visited Istanbul to find Armenian churches all over the place as the Armenian community who were left intact in Istanbul after the so-called genocide (!). Oh, if it was Asia Minor where he could not find anything left Armenian, he only needed to as far as Erzurum, Erzincan, Kars (eastern provinces of Turkey) to see mass graves of Turks still being uncovered today as the legacy of Armenian gangs.



3. The book gives a good introduction to the history of Anatolia up to the time of the early Christian Church. It can seem at times to be a little dry or shallow in its coverage. While it is on some sense a historical account, the author is an archeologist, and the narrative heavily leans on this direction. This is not necesarily bad since I read the book as a prelude to my trip to Turkey, but one should be aware of it before buying the book. All in all, I would recommend buying it.



4. I bought this book as background reading for an upcoming trip to Turkey. It is a comprehensive and well-written overview of ancient history, from the Hittites up through the beginnings of Christianity in what is now Turkey, with context relating to the influence of adjacent areas as needed. It puts things in context and provides maps to help locate cultures and events geographically. I would recommend it for anyone interested in the subject, or reading up for a visit.



5. I picked up this book in preparation for a class trip to Turkey to look at architecture and landscape. I have found it to be exhaustive in details pertaining to archeological discoveries and sequence. I wish that it would leave off some of these details, and spend a little more time painting the bigger picture. The book reads as if you are listening to a one-sided conversation with a very specialized and opinionated professor. It is almost casual in tone, and spends too much time and emotion on issues that don't really aid understanding of the history of Turkey. Having said that, if you can struggle through the dense parts, and keep refering back to the maps, you can get a pretty good idea of the progression and significance of events.

5 comments about The Oxford History of the Biblical World.

1. This truly is an excellent resource, as discussed by other reviewers. Unfortunately, though, the paperback version is not just a reprint of the hardback in floppy covers. Instead, many of the visual features that contribute so much to the appeal of the hardback edition have been removed. Admittedly several remain, including a section of color plates in the middle of the book, but one who is familiar with the hardback likely will be disappointed by the paperback.



2. I must admit that my expectation was for greater accuracy to proper verbage than was printed. Much of the time the authors used location names, like 'Palistine', when referencing 'BC' (BCE) rather than the true name 'Isreal.' Small verbal goofs like this was unexpected from an institution like the Oxford press. Most of the information, though, was excellent, and informative.



3. This book has proved more and more valuable over time. As a pastor and seminary student, it helps to place Biblical events in the proper context. As an aspiring Ancient historian, the clear, concise text and apt photos and illustrations make sense of some pretty dense reading in other texts. It's even a fun read for enjoyment!



4. Buyer beware. The chapter on the time of Jesus reads like an op-ed piece, not a history book. The author of it is Amy-Jill Levine, who describes herself on her website as a "Yankee Jewish feminist . . . with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies." If you are a Christian looking for a neutral, scholarly source of information, keep looking.



5. This book relates history to the Bible, giving readers a new perspective on world events at the time of events recorded in the Bible. It's certainly not a fast read, but it's interesting.