A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present Hardcover – October 14, 2003

This gorgeous coffee-table sized book would alone get my five stars for its detailed but clear maps and its breathtakingly diverse array of figures and illustrations depicting the major events of over 3,000 years of Jewish history. As it is, it provides detailed, well researched and very readable historical synopses of Jewish life throughout the world over this period, with each folio (two facing pages) a separate topic. Each folio includes the historical synopsis, usually a map, a series of other illustrations, including photographs, art, and other figures, and at the bottom of every page appears a time line highlighting important dates relevant to the topic. The topics range from the dawn of Judaism to present-day issues in Judaism, from Chinese Jews to the Jews of King Solomon's era, to Jewish farmers in Eastern Europe. You need to see this book in its entirety to believe it. If you ever wanted to an excellent and fascinating introduction to Jewish history, I don't think you can get better than this rare, colorful, scholarly and very engaging book. I'm so enthusiastic about it, I've bought it as a gift six times over.

This is a beautiful book that illustrates the history of the Jews throughout the world. One nice thing about it is that it covers Jewish communities in surprising times and places such as China in the 11th Century or Latin America in the 1800s. Of course, it's focus is on the bulk of the Jewish population in Europe and then America. It covers the full history from biblical times to today. The one flaw in this regard is the near absence of coverage of Sephardic communities in more recent times.Each topic is covered in a 2-page spread which has text, pictures and a timeline. It is a large-sized book but clearly 2 pages only allows for the briefest coverage. The strength of the book is that it makes you aware of where Jews were at different times and how they interacted with, and were affected by, the broader society.The book approaches the Jewish people from a historical, not religious perspective. It portrays the Jews as a people.

Text does not coordinate well with the maps and other graphics, as if different people created these at different times. Also, one must skip around a lot to find the dates one is interested in. This book could have been a lot more informative than it set it out to be. Nevertheless, it still is an invaluable source of historical information.

Interesting content but poor English language usage.

My favorite Jewish history atlas. I've bought it for myself and as a gift for others. Good maps and other graphics, Historically accurate and unbiased. However, it's ready for a new edition that will bring the events up to the present

This book is a nice map book with lots of interesting information. I was however very disappointed to see that the authors spend much time presenting various secular theories, and using scriptural interpretations with questionable accuracy. I expected that a book so short and concise would spend more time setting down the facts and less space giving analysis and opinions. I might just throw it out.

I ordered this "Used - Like New" book on Sunday. It arrived on Thursday. It was just like new. In fact, if I hadn't ordered it as used, I would have thought it was new. Not only was the condition excellent and delivery fast, but the vendor was quick to help me sort out a problem I had created. Thumb's up!

Beautiful - BUT heavy so I don't lift it that often. (I'm weak - in a wheelchair etc., but it's kind of a coffee table book (that's the size) not a reference book.

The atlas gives so much information it is easier than doing the curriculum for conversion to Judaism. buy it if you are interested in learning or if you are Jewish and raising a family it will always be a great reference book.

Several large grease stains on the actual book cover. On the outside it looks terrible, I shall have to make a cover for it. The contents of the book, however, were undamaged. I do feel that UK Sterling 44.80 was steep for a book with such a shabby exterior.

Excellent Atlas with very good descriptions for each subject