From Ezra to the Last of the Maccabees

by Elias Joseph Bickerman

Combines Bickerman's 'The Historical Foundations of Postbiblical Judaism,' originally published in 1949 in The Jews: Their History, Culture & Religion, edited by Louis Finkelstein & The Maccabees: An Account of Their History from the Beginnings to the Fall of the House of the Hasmoneans, originally published in English translation in 1947.
Contains a chronology & genealogical tables.

Genres: History, Religion, Judaica, Judaism

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In spite of being written nearly 70 years ago, Professor Bickerman's classic is still readable and worth the while one invests in this slim but rich-in-content work. His insights are both original and wise, and he certainly wasn't afraid to break with the consensuses of many historical figures. His opinions on the Maccabees alone are worth the 'price of admission.' For those of you unfamiliar, the period includes the "Return from Babylon" and the eventual re-establishment of a Jewish polity under the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) in the Land of Israel. If Post-biblical Jewish history is your thing, or you would like it to be your thing, this book is a rewarding place to begin your education.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

After marriage, needing space, I traded in virtually every paperback book I owned to the Book Nook on the Red Arrow Highway in Sawyer, Michigan. This was one of them: a rather good introduction to the historical background of the later books of the Hebrew bible employed as an ancillary reading in the Rev. Dennis Haas' "Introduction" course at Grinnell College. At the time I had just read the texts for the the first time and this was not only very helpful but revelatory as my background in the period had been previously confined to the Greco-Roman perspectives. Since that time, however, I've obtained a later edition, also in paperback.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book for filling in certain details regarding the inter-testimal period. Certainly contains liberal evaluations of the period, particularly regarding the Scriptures and their dating, but if you’re solid in that area, it’s helpful in it’s historical focus and specifics.

[Charlene Mathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to every serious student of Judaism and/or Christianity. The Mishna and the New Testament are better understood in the context of this historical period. The book surveys 500 years in just 184 pages. The narrative is interesting and accessible to the lay reader. A map of Israel and geneology charts of the Maccabees and of the Seleucid kings support the reader through the narrative. I actually read it twice this weekend, and still need to review my tabs and underlines again! I know I will forget much of what I have marked; but I have gained a new perspective of the politics, culture and writings of this period that will inform all my studies.