Jerusalem's rich history stretches back more than two millennia, and three great religions claim the city as holy ground. This lavishly illustrated book celebrates Jerusalem, from its ancient origins to the present day, focusing on such key sites as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and pivotal moments like the Six Day War. Fifteen removable facsimile documents, including a sixteenth-century letter written by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and a copy of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, bring the city vividly to life.
This beautifully illustrated book brings the complex history of Jerusalem into a comprehensive order. Joseph Mills starts off with the very powerful statement:
"Jerusalem. It is probably the most fought-over piece of real estate in the world."
The 3000 year history of the land of no identity to too many identities. Joseph highlights the richness of the city through it's many transformations from the origins to Cultural Life.
I must confess to not reading the book cover to cover, but instead am using it as a reference book. I value the depth of knowledge that has been covered and did not fully appreciate the turmoil the city has been through.
Carlton Books have once again shone through with the pull out pieces which help bring the wonderfully written text to life. The 15 pieces selected compliment the many additional pictures spread out though-out the book. From the Dead Sea Scrolls, a Letter in French (which is translated) describing cooperation between Jews and Arabs over Palestine in 1919 to a poster advertising a French exhibition about Jerusalem - each piece is printed to give the feeling that we are holding actual artefacts.