This was an excellent book. When I originally picked the book up I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wanted more than a general overview of Jewish history. I also wanted something that would help me understand the Middle East conflict better but also provide an objective analysis of it. This book did just that. That is not to say that there weren’t parts of the book I found really subjective in its material. The first few chapters dealing with the biblical history of the Jews seemed to be presented in a more cynical light (especially when Jesus Christ was introduced). Likewise the last chapter or two of the book also had a rather subjective tone dispersed through out its discussion of the middle eastern conflict in the last century. The majority of the book however, which discussed Jewish history between their biblical origins and their modern day circumstances, was a very interesting comprehensive analysis. I especially liked the author’s ability to differentiate the difference between anti-Jewish sentiments and anti-semitism. I was also encouraged by the author’s very objective analysis of circumstances where both Jews and Christians were victims (and more often than not, the Christians made up the majority of such victims). By the end of the book, one as a greater appreciation for the intriguing journey of the Jewish peoples. They are fascinating as a culture, and their ability to survive as such regardless of their home or their conquerors. The book does not deal with any recent middle eastern events given that the author died in the early nineties, but the analysis has definitely motivated me to get more information.