Jerusalem in History

by K.J. Asali

The city of Jerusalem has a special place in the consciousness of the great monotheistic religions. Throughout its history it has been the site of glories and catastrophes; a place that has been witness to transition and occupation by a diversity of peoples and an object of pilgrimage through the centuries. This important work begins to provide a comprehensive outline of the amazing history of the city. It moves from the Bronze Age to the tensions of present-day Jerusalem and presents a balanced and authentic picture, that helps to correct the often distorted images of the city presented over the last fifty years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1990

Reviews

[Leon O'Flynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed in this book. I looked forward to reading it for a while. What I was after was a text that really came to terms in a more technical manner than Sebag-Montefiore, which I enjoyed the narrative. This book comes at a number of tough topics from only one perspective, and in a couple of places, I am unsure of its facts. A real disappointment.

[Michiel Van R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

[Andy Oram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned many interesting details about life in Jerusalem through the centuries, including movements and buildings that have practically disappeared (even since the nineteenth century). Getting the sweep of history is valuable. In every period, diverse and often conflicting tendencies have co-existed in the city, and this book reflects that. However, I don't trust all the assertions beause the authors have a political goal (to minimize the role Judaism has played in the region) and choose facts to emphasize that theme.