An extraordinary book. Yossi Klein Halevy is a deeply religious American-born Jewish journalist and Israeli citizen who has lived in Israel for almost twenty years. This book is written as a personal spiritual journey, in which Halevy attempts to experience and understand Islam and Christianity by joining in their rituals of worship. Despite the personal nature of the subject, his historical, political and social commentary are invaluable for those who wish to understand the Middle East conflict today. In a world where hatred is running rampant, he sends a message that solutions can only come through understanding, not violence.

Author Yossi Klein Halevi, the son of a Holocaust-survivor, grew up in New York and immigrated to Israel in the early 1980s. A religious Jew and a journalist, Halevi describes his encounters with various Sufi Muslim sheykhs and Christian monastics in Israel as he searches to understand the spiritual insights that each have and to connect through the common experience of the one God's presence. If a book can be a prayer then this would probably qualify, as Halevi shows how religion can be a source of love and healing when we learn to respect and even love the different ways that different faiths relate to God. Halevi is an excellent writer and he avoids unrealistic optimism by detailing his own vascillation between religious hope and love on the one hand and a mix of anger and fear of political realities on the other. I heartily recommend this book to anybody interested in achieving a true peace in the Middle East.

I work on promoting Mideast peace at an organization called Israel Policy Forum in Washington, DC. So I see all the literature. And I'm not easily impressed.
But this book approaches perfection. And I'm not just talking about the writing, which is superb.
I am talking about a book which miraculously appeared at a time we most need it. Following the 911 attack, an atack committed in the name of Islam, we have Yossi Klein Halevi, writing from Jerusalem, who explains, who shows, Islam's other face. This author, a devout Jew, demonstrates that Judaism/Christianity and Islam, at their best, are the same and that to fill one's heart with the true message of one, is to know and be all three.
(The corollary, of course, is that the fanatics in all three faiths are the same as well. Isn't it amusing how a Jewish extremist, clothed in black, disdaining women and all who represent the "other" does not recognize his twin in the other faiths, and vice versa. If the extremists would meet each other, they would realize that they are one and the same. Maybe we can get to peace that way!)
This book shows that there is a way out of the current horrors by reaching out and finding those aspects of each faith community that are common to all three. It understands that, in the Mideast, the seculars cannot make peace without the people of faith. Halevi shows the way. This book is a gift to us all.

The "highest" complement to this 1969 chess book is that between 1970 or so when I bought it to now, I have bought over 5 copies of it. Either I have given the book away as a present to a new chess player or others have decided to borrow it indefinitely (usually at a tournament). I agree with the first reviewer that the presentation is an art of teaching; one that we lose in the modern day ECO's etc... I have many of the newest chess opening books; however, I often return to see the roots of the variations and to see the classic games and "ideal variations - traps" which one must be concerned about. I feel that every new chess player should own and read this text - the ideas behind the opening are carefully reviewed and these ideas become conceptual instead of just memorized lines.

This book should be reprinted. Although the analysis is outdated and a majot rewrite would be expensive, this should be preserved as a fine contribution to chess literature. I have the original and refer to it constantly because: 1. the analysis is backed up by complete games, many of which are not well-known; 2. The author gives the basic main lines for each opening,, then switches to possible alternatives that are either forgotten or were not followed up in major praxis. I know my copy will be in my collection for a long time. Good diagrams, lots of white space for updates; I know most don't write in their books, but I do and find the extra room a boon! Recommended.

This book is one of my most prized chess books. (I have owned hundreds over the years).

It is simply the best one volume openings book ever published.

This book is broken down by opening variation, and sub-variation. What is unique is that the book illustrates many of the elementary traps that many of the other books omit. It also very clearly explains the ideas behind each of the openings (much more verbage in this respect than MCO or NCO, for example).

It also provides what are called "idea variations". Roughly put, these are variations that may not actually occur in actual practice, but are what you would play if given the chance. (Normally they are either prevented or avoided due to strategic or tactical problems. Nevertheless, knowing them gives you a much fuller understanding of the aims of the opening.)

Finally, at the conclusion of each sub-section, there is typically a small number of complete master level games illustrating the variation being discussed. Many of these are all-time classics. In this way, you get to see immediate application of the ideas without having to dig through other sources to find games featuring the opening you are studying.

If you can find a copy of this book anywhere, grab it immediately! It will be a long time before you run accross another one.

As to the downsides of this book, there are three significant ones;
1. It is out of print - very difficult to find. Even if you do find one, you may end up paying a lot, or ending up with a book that is in not too good condition.

2. It is current up to around 1963. In terms of the Double King Pawn openings this is probably less of a problem than some of the Queen Pawn openings such as King's Indian, Leningrad Dutch, Benoni, etc. or the Sicilian Defense, etc.

Some of these openings have undergone some radical new developments since that time period. (For example, don't try out the Sicilian Dragon Defense armed with only the variations covered in this book - you will get hosed quickly!)

3. The book is written in the older descriptive notation. For those of us who are over 40, this is probably no big deal. For those younger players, this may put them off as everything written today is in algebraic notation.

I heartily recommend this book - I guarantee that you will not be sorry for choosing to add it to your library. I ONLY WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD UNDERTAKE THE TASK OF UPDATING THIS BOOK INTO ALGEBRAIC NOTATION WITH MORE CURRENT VARIATIONS. NOTHING OUT THERE RIGHT NOW IS EVEN CLOSE!!

     The author of this book is David Chanoff. He writes an autobiography
of the Israel Prime Minister. The Israeli prime minister Arial Sharon, was
born in Israel and is the main character of this book. At an early age he
had to go through  hard time living in Israel. He than took part in the 1948 .
He was in danger of geting captured and killed.  He also had to live in a place
where he was in danger of getting hit buy mortar shell. He was raised on a farm
and had to work hard very hard to keep it going. Problems were to survive in his
homeland. Overall he had some successes.

My opinion

My opinion of the book is that it is a very good book. Is it is field with adventures
and is really exciting. It is even more interesting to read it
because of the men in it are still living and doing the same thing.
My favorite part the book was the beginning I think the beginning is always
the most interesting. I would not change a thing in the book because it
is like if you change the recipe of a cake it would not come out the same.

My recommendation

I would recommend this book to kids over the age of 13 and I would
encourage them to read it. The kind of person who would like to read
this book is The kind of person who is interested in the Middle East,  politics and in wars.

This book tells the story of a true Israeli hero. You will read about his life, his love and his battles...Where would Israel be today without Ariel Sharon...Although out of print, I managed to find a copy and I am happy I did!

Ariel Sharon is so demonized by so many in the Arab world and Liberal Jews and Israelis that I sought this book to hear his side of his incredible career and life. Having spent most of his life fighting for Israel's survival and combatting terrorism in every war and conflict, he illuminates the problems Israel faces and the nature of its Arab opposition.

Like a true warrior he is a man of peace. Those who have been in the carnage of battle want to avoid it the most, but he has enough insight to understand that compromises and shortcuts to accomodate other's deadlines and agendas only means sending your grandchildren off to war.

His stories of being in the frontline of Israel's historic battles are gripping military history; and his rise from a neophyte poltician to Israel's Prime Minister provides a rich introduction to Israeli politics. His efforts to develop trade and agricultural ties throughout the world is less known than his military and political career, but very important among his contributions.

But most of all I wanted to hear his account of the Lebanese war and specifically the massacres in Sabra and Shatilla. I have always been bewildered at how the murder of Moslems by Christians would lead to the villanization of a Jew. He explained his view how he was sacrificed by the international pressures and Israel's own political parties.

The fact that he was able to rise from this poltical abyss to become prime minister is a remarkable achievement. There is far more depth to this man than his opponents would want us to believe.

This book was an excellent read a must for those trying to understand the complexities of modern Israel, and a fascinating biography of the leading player on the middle eastern stage.

After at least a full year of immersing myself into Crowley's magick and occult studies, I continue to find myself coming back to this book. When I first got the book, I tried reading it and to make heads or tails of what I was reading, but to no avail, so I put the book down until a spark of light drew me closer to understanding. I remembered at one point reading in 'The Eye in the Triangle', a biography written by apprentice Israel Regardie, mentioning Crowley's fascination with mystery novels. I am not a big fan of mystery novels, but I decided to take one up (Robert B. Parker's Godwulf Manuscript for the curious), and it struck me at that point that it seemed to make sense that Crowley enjoyed these kinds of books as they are so evident in his own writing. This is the point of view in which I decided to understand Crowley - that is, to understand his work as a mystery waiting to be solved. You are the detective and you must put the pieces together. All the information is in front of you, but you must understand, interpret, infer, and join various bits of information to gain the whole picture. 777 and Other Qabalistic Writings is just that - a string of puzzle pieces that are shaken up in the box, and its up to you to put the work into it to make the connection. Crowley is not one for spoonfeeding information and this book certainly demonstrates this by having to understand numbers, symbolically and mathematically - how they relate to the Hebrew and Greek alephbet, tree of life, Chinese and Indian philosophy, and the universe: micro and macrocosm, and of course algebraic and trigonomic formulations. With this information that is put into a uniform system of systems. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when studying (vs. reading), is that every sentence counts. Each line, number, column, diagonal, and row all have a correspondence to each other to make a relationship that, as the Gestalts would say, is "greater than the sum of its parts." While this work is not for the beginner, and difficult for any novice, it is certainly a must for anyone who wants to dig a little deeper than love potions and money spells. If you can master the work in this book to the point where it is second nature, then Crowley's other works will illuminate itself freely to the trained mind. Crowley's writing is for those who want to "do the work" and not for the lazy person's guide to enlightenment. 777 stands as Crowley's testimony to his mastery over the subject as well as his versatility with understanding the nature of language and how it can be expressed; i.e. compressed information. I suggest to book cautiously to only those who are willing to take the task and set themselves on a journey into another world.

This is a Textbook on Gematria, (the Spiritual Essence of the Numerical Value of Words, Names, or even General Phrases). This is Not a book for the Dabbler in the Occult Sciences but a Reference Book on Kabbalah,(Qabalah), the Tree of Life and the Magical Alphabet! The many, many Tables of Correspondences listed in this book will give the Seeker of Truth the Truth he or she needs to delve into the Deep, Deep Mysteries of God! Aleisters committment to become the Man of Sin and in essence become the correspondent of the living Christ in the Earth along with his commitment to "persevere to the end" in his Tarot studies certainly pays off in this Extreme Religion known as Qabalah. For just a taste of the many Revelation one may enconter in this book is the Revation of the Number 666. In the Section titled SEPHER SEPHIROTH Aleister lists the Numbers 1-1000 with additions up to 3321 along with Hebrew Words and Spellings. In this Gematria the Numerical Interpretation of 666 in none other than, "Aleister E. Crowley" and, (you guessed it), "The Name of Jesus"! If you don't have this Book in your Magikal Library you owe it to yourself to Buy it!!!

This is without question the most Impressive book on the subject of The Qabalah, that I have encountered. Most books simply allude to Qabalistic knowledge and explain the devices used in the system; Gematria, Temura, Notariquon, etc.--but, 777 is a Compilation of decades of research, by a Dedicated Qabalist. I cannot possibly say I know enough about the Qabalah to give an educated review of 777, but, I do know this book contains more information, than any other book I have owned on the subject. It looks like a lifetime study, from what little I know--and, this seems to be the best place to start the Journey.

To learn the Paths and to see Illustrations of the Qabalah, I recommend studying the following book in conjunction with "777"; "Magick: Liber Aba: Book 4," by Aleister Crowley (ISBN: 0877289190). I have recently been studying this book, with great results. A picture is worth a thousand words. The labeled Diagrams truly help the Student understand the subject.

I also suggest purchasing a copy of "Paths of Wisdom," by John Michael Greer (ASIN: 1567183158), if you can find a copy. This book is especially useful to Students of the Mysteries, who have no teacher / organization.

Charles Swindoll does an excellent, if not remarkable, job of not only presenting the trials of David in modern day life, but he also vividly illustrates the psalmist's shortcomeings into lessons for today. Without a doubt, this book was written with God's guidance (no slight intended towards Mr. Swindoll), and I recommend this book to be used as a tool for the Christian of today in his/her walk with God. Upon finishing, I not only had renewed insight upon David, but also within myself, and found newborn strength to conquer my own daily struggles. God has annoited this book, of that there is no doubt, and I strongly urge Christians to delve into it.

Chuck Swindoll is an excellent author that helps me under stand the bible very easily. in an exsample of how much I enjoyed what I have learnd, i'll tell you that I have started reading the book "Moses a man of selfless dedication" and have the one on Josphe on the book self that I bought through amozon.com. Seindoll pours over all the detail to bring King David into a real sence and not a bible caricter that lived 3000 years ago, but some one that I can understand and see in life, or in someone around me, I loved what the book tought me and what makes me different then david and how to become more of "a man after Gods own heart".

Consistent with Swindoll's writing style, the reader sees the character as described by the Bible - both good and bad.

While David was Israel's greatest king, he also committed grevious sins that adversely impacted those around him. Even so, he was described as " a man after God's heart".

Some of the excellent points Swindoll covers in his book include:

1. God can use our talents and use them for His glory.
2. Do not fight battles in your own strength! Rely on the
Lord and His timing and methods.
3. How our bad decisions affect others.
4. God cares about the details of your life - the better you
know your standing with the Lord, the freer you are.
5. We must not abuse God's grace to sin and expect no
consequences.
6. When God says no to our dreams, it may be because of
redirection in our lives.
7. The importance of having a thick skin - if you want God
to use you, you need to shed your ultrasensitivity.
8. Important notes about true friendship.

All in all, an excellent read that can encourage us and sober us about the impact we have on other people!

A perfect pairing of voice and narrative is found in this dramatic recounting of the 1948 battle between the Arabs and the Jews for possession of the city of Jerusalem. It is the story of the birth of Israel as meticulously researched by the authors.

History comes to vivid life as we hear of the years between World War II and the creation of an independent state - Israel. We are reminded that this area was sacred to both sides, and we hear Ben Gurion and Golda Meir as well as Arab chiefs and soldiers who felt just as passionately that their cause was just.

Theodore Bikel, probably best remembered for his long running role as Tevya in "Fiddler On The Roof" offers an incomparable reading. Vienna born Bikel was 13-years-old when his family moved to Palestine. An inquisitive and intelligent young man he was to master Hebrew, Yiddish, German, and English.

Early on he joined the Habimah Theatre, and later was a co-founder of the Israeli Chamber Theatre. He became interested in folk music and the guitar at approximately the same time that he studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

All of this study and work was prelude to a multi faceted career - as musician, actor, and author. His awards are many, including an Emmy.

Bikel's reading of "O Jerusalem!" merits another statue on his mantel.

- Gail Cooke

I tend towards books in the historical novel genre, and count among my favorite authors Herman Wouk and Leon Uris. "O Jerusalem!" was recommended to me by someone familiar with my interest in the history of Israel, and I was hesitant to read it at first, thinking that I didn't want to slog through some dry account of such a worthwhile topic.

Well, "dry" cannot be applied to any aspect of this book. Considering all of the college history books I've read, I think I can truly say that this is the best "true" historical telling of a topic that I've read...yet. The authors, in true journalistic form, did their research, and brought in those "human interest" aspects I so love in the historical novels. Their treatment of both the Arabs and the Jews is about as unbiased as one can be--I didn't see any blatant pandering to either side-- and felt that any (potentially) incindiary remarks were based wholly on historical track record (e.g., Arabs don't have a history--in Palestine--of cultivating the land, and this neglect is mentioned a few times). I recommend this book to anyone wishing for an in-depth (but not too technically deep!) look into the partition vote, the siege of Jerusalem, and the establishment of the State of Israel. ( As an aside: I'm not too interested in politics, but the political wrangling inherent in the entire partition process is quite fascinating. It goes to show that 'goodwill gestures' have about a million moving parts--not necessarily made out of love!).

Collins and Lapierre focus their book, O Jerusalem on one city in the years between World War II and the creation of the independent state of Israel, but, the story itself spans centuries and continents. This is a book about courage, terrorism, heroism, deprivation, politics, and, ultimately, war.

Concentrating their narrative on material gleaned from thousands of interviews, the authors intersperse personal histories-heroic, tragic, and sometimes even humorous-with public history to create an illuminating epic, part folk, part academic. Their emphasis on ordinary people reacting in ordinary ways to extraordinary events encourages the reader to empathize with characters on both sides of what was, and continues to be, a complex stuggle.

Collins and Lapierre allow the story to expand as they trace the roots of the conflict back into Biblical history and as the participants travel the post-WWII world, seeking weapons, political support and military solutions. However, no matter how far afield the story wanders, the authors always bring it back to its center, Jerusalem.

More than fifty years after the central events of this story, it is interesting and instructive for historians, amateur and professional, to review who was allied with whom in the Middle East of the 1940's and who provided the training, weapons, and support to which of the participants in the struggle. This is essential reading for anyone trying to understand what happened in the US on September 11, 2001. Although it does not provide the complete answer, it is an excellent place to begin the search.

Trial of the Century

Before there was the O.J. Simpson double homicide trial there was the Eichmann trial. Hannah Arendt's Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil provides insight into one of the most publicized "show trials" ever. After the Nuremberg trial hundreds of Nazis were still in hiding or had taken assumed identities outside of Europe. Adolph Eichmann was one of these individuals. The Israeli Mossad kidnapped him and brought him back to Israel to stand trial for "crimes against humanity" for his role in the Holocaust. Eichmann was abducted in Argentina where he was struggling with his anonymity. Eichmann hated losing his identity as a powerful Nazi. After being kidnapped, but before being flown to Israel Eichmann was asked to consent to being brought up on charges against humanity, which he did. Eichmann may have had a difficult time living without his former social standing and identity.

Arendt's book is a landmark in the workings of the Nazi machine that tortured, raped, and killed over 11 million Europeans for their religion, sexual orientation, political ideas, and nationality. However, the Eichmann trial centers more on the role Eichmann had in the "Final Solution" to the Jewish Question. Eichmann was charged with being a key player in the destruction and eradication of European Jewry.

The book and Arendt's theory regarding "the banality of evil" has created controversy since its inception in 1963. In 1963 Arendt was sent to Jerusalem to follow the Eichmann trial for The New Yorker. She published a series of articles over the course of the trial. It is often remarked by critics of the book that Arendt was not present for even half of the trial, yet the book is considered one of the principal books on the trial, if not the primary.

Arendt's basic theory is that Eichmann was a moral eunuch. He was a cog, in a large killing machine that never contemplated his role or developed a conscious to answer questions for himself. He simply followed orders and happened to have an instrumental job in the destruction of world Jewry. Arendt argues that even if Eichmann had not had the job there were hundreds of other German Nazis that would have fulfilled the obligations of his job without a conscience. Throughout the book Arendt patronizes Eichmann as a man incapable of his own thoughts; so prone to using clichés inappropriately, repeating himself, contradicting his previous statements, and utterly incompetent of original thought or judgment. Arendt portrays Eichmann as an automaton only interested in advancing his own career. Arendt does not even fault Eichmann for completing his job, because she thought he was simply following the orders that were given to him.

This was one of the three major controversies that arose with the printing of Arendt's insight on the trial. Arendt also heavily criticized David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minster of Israel, the chief Prosecutor Gideon Hausner, and the European Jewish community.

Arendt believed that the Jewish Community in Europe had meticulous organizational abilities and was instrumental in the destruction of European Jewry. The organizations that the Jews created were able to document and provide comprehensive statistics and efficiency in rounding up Jews and aiding the Nazis. Arendt believed the Jewish bureaucracy was impeccable in its carrying out of these duties. This argument of Arendt's is flawed for a number of reasons. If the Jewish communal leaders assigned these tasks did not fulfill them then other Jews may have, and if not them, then other European citizens might have, which does not completely discredit Arendt. But the fact that does debunk Arendt's theory, that is often described as "blaming the victims not the criminals," is the fact that the Russian Jews were systematically murdered and killed much the same way as much of Central and Eastern Europe's Jews were. What stands to reason is there were no Jewish organizations to augment the efficiency of the Nazis in Russia. The Nazis were able to comprehend this task without the help of any Jewish bureaucracy. The Jewish organizations could not have been much more helpful to the Jews of Europe, Arendt really overplays this theory. Jews were not leading their brethren to their funerals, or simply following orders like Eichmann and other cogs, but were probably trying to alleviate Jewish suffering.

Arendt's criticism of Ben-Gurion's treatment of the trial is precise. There were journalists from all over the world hanging on each and every word of the trial; it was truly a "show trial." Even though Arendt would probably agree that Eichmann was a cog and an automaton, Israel's Premier was able to gain great publicity for the trial.

Throughout the course of the book Arendt restates the arguments made against Eichmann by the prosecution, when they are adequate she leaves them as is. However, when the arguments fall short of Arendt's standards she takes the liberty of showing the flaw of the procedure, the argument, and its role in the trial. At most points this commentary is a necessity, but at others Arendt seems to be showing her mental muscle and belittling the prosecution.

These are the major reasons Arendt's work was poorly received in Israel. Her criticism of European Jewry's role in the Holocaust is rather short-sighted, but her indictment of the prosecutors and Ben-Gurion is profound.

Eichmann in Jerusalem is a classic in the study of human nature, totalitarian politics, and political theory, deservingly. The book has its flaws, but the insightful commentary on one's man adventure inside the totalitarian Nazi destructing machine is a true tour de force.

I am astonished by the comments Amazon.com includes under *Eichmann in Jerusalem*: to characterize Arendt's book as a "defense" of Eichmann is either a deliberate falsehood or a comment written by someone who has never read the book. I assume the comment was written on the basis of Michael Musmanno's incompetent review of *Eichmann* for the *New York Times*. Musmanno's review blatantly misrepresented Arendt's work, and I would expect Amazon.com to be able to do better. Far from "defending" Eichmann, Arendt portrays him as a willing participant in mass murder, and, in her Epilogue, she strongly agrees with the death sentence that he received. The myth of Arendt's "defense" of Eichmann is a result of her belief that Eichmann was motivated more by immersion in the totalitarian "system" of Nazi Germany than by hatred of Jews. In no way does she excuse him or the Germans, and, indeed, she argues that complicity in the Holocaust was ubiquitous in Germany. Her thesis is certainly open to debate, but to suggest that this brave and decent thinker sought for a moment to defend Eichmann or the Nazis is outrageous. Her book remains one of the most thought-provoking studies of the perpetrators of the Holocaust ever written.

I first read this book 20+ years ago in my senior year of college, in a political theory seminar on Arendt, and have re-read it from time to time ever since. The seminar professor offered a keg of beer to anyone who could find the phrase "banality of evil" in the text of the book (NOT the cover, in Arendt's text). No one won the keg because Arendt NEVER USES the phrase banality of evil anywhere in the book, and she was NOT saying evil is banal. What she was trying to drive at is that you don't need a raver like Hitler, or an obvious monster with long fangs, to do evil -- that ordinary people, the kind you live next door to or pass on the street every day without a second thought -- can do tremendous evil. it's a conclusion that I agree with in my brain but still grapple with emotionally.

I'm also grateful to her because this book is the first place where she recounted the story of the Danish Jews, who were protected by just about the entire population of Denmark when the Nazis tried to round them up.

Jerusalem Vigil is perhaps the most intense historical fiction I have ever read. I am a fan of Rutherfurd, who is interesting, but, like Mitchner, tends to slow and does not have the personal character development the Thoene writings always have in their stories. It is interesting that anyone would compare their fiction to a history book like O Jerusalem which is...well...history, lacking the heart of a work of fiction. The reality is, as far as subject matter and accurate retelling of a dramatic, sometimes tragic and difficult time, Thoenes have outwritten Wouk, Uris, Mitchner etc. on the subject matter. They also include a spiritual dimension to their characters which seems totally appropriate since Jerusalem and Israel has been the scene of spiritual conflict for ages. Far from being stereo-typical, the characters of Jerusalem Vigil include a look into the lives of two Arab orphans caught in the middle of a war they did not want to fight; non-Jews fighting beside Jews for a Jewish homeland; Jewish characters who have a depth and insight which Christians maybe should pay attention to. i.e. Dr. Baruch, who speaks of 2000 years of persecution. If anyone at all could find something to object to in the dramatic presentation and execution of this fine work it is because they resent the acknowledgement by these authors that there is a God who loves Israel and has kept his promises to his chosen people. That theme is throughout the book. Personally I found that to be something I need to be reminded of in a world which has forgotten the Holocaust and still vilifies the Jewish people and the nation of Israel at every turn. We need more books like this to remind us that Israel is not just a political state, but a spiritual entity with a place forever in the divine plan of an awesome God. Keep writing Thoenes, there is no writer to compare with you.

In an interview for the release of this book, Bodie tells how John Wayne referred to this story as the Jewish Alamo. I love it! That truly sums up the intense meaning of the story surrounding the struggles for a Jewish state in 1948. This compelling saga leaves you anxious for the sequel due out in October. I can hardly wait! I highly reccommend Jerusalem Vigil to anyone and everyone, and am pleased to see that a secular company realized what a wonderful team of writers Brock and Bodie are. You will be missing out on an integral piece of history and a spellbinding reading experience if you fail to read this book.

For fans of Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles books, "Jerusalem Vigil" and its sequel, "Thunder from Jerusalem" are like the first heavy rains after a long drought; much anticipated and a great relief when the wait is finally over. "Jerusalem Vigil" picks up immediately where the 1988 book "The Key to Zion" left off, in the first week of the life of the infant yet ancient nation of Israel in 1948. Haganah defender Moshe Sachar and his pregnant wife, Rachel, are central characters and they are joined by old friends from yet another Zion series, Jacob and Lori Kalner,and Alfie Halder. Though there has been a time lapse of over twelve years between the publishing of the last book in the Chronicles and the beginning of this Zion Legacy series, the stories flow smoothly together and the characters are just as vividly alive as they were a decade ago. However, you do not have to read the five books in the Zion Chronicles to understand and enjoy the action in "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem"; there is enough background information given for these novels to stand alone. Bodie's books are all wonderfully written with characters that are so well-drawn and stories that are so historically accurate that you forget that you are reading fiction. As a matter of fact, these two novels will provide any reader with timely insights into the struggles and battles happening in present-day Jerusalem. The parallels are simply stunning and it is amazing to think about how the timing of the release of these two novels coincides with the reemergence of fighting in the long-standing enmity between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. On the whole, eachof these books provides a great read for both men and women with their stories of love and war, told with grit, tenderness, and a fascinating secret about a centuries-old library hidden beneath the Temple Mount. I give "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem" the highest rating and I urge you to read them, along with the many other titles in Bodie Thoene's library. You will not only not be able to put these books down, you will also have a hard time reading any other author after you finish.

June 8 1967 is a day of great shame for the Us Goverment. Shame on them for not sending rescue aircraft to the ships aid.Shame on them for covering up the facts of the attack for 31 plus years.Shame on them for ordering the crew to remain silent. 34 Americans were slatured 171 others wounded and a twenty million dollar ship destroyed.All this was done by a so called friend of the United States (ISRAEL)They say the attack was a mistake.As Ennes points out in his book there was no mistake they new exactly who they were attacting and did it any way.In effect ISRAEL got by with cold blooded murder and are Goverment help them cover it up.Ennes book was gone over with a fine tooth comb by a team of lawyers to make sure it was factual long befor RANDOM HOUSE put it on the presses.This book is a must rread for all Americans.WHY DO I FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT THIS BOOK ? Because I was there I lived threw that nightmare and ciuntinue to live that nightmare. Please read this true peace of history.

I was on the deck when the attack started and in the engine room when the torpedo hit. This is a true and accurate account of the attack. Through the accounts in this book I relived a time that should never have happened. Thanks to Mr. Ennes for telling a story that needed to be told and a story that still needs a proper ending.

I have read my copy of the book (original printing) and
am eagerly awaiting the updated version. Having known 3
of the sailors killed during the unwarranted Israeli
attack in 1967 and having met and become friends with
many of the survivors, LCDR Ennes' book (he was a Lt. on
the bridge at the time of the attack) tells the TRUE
story of what happened to this unarmed US Naval vessel.
The fact that both the governments of Israel AND the U.S.
have tried to cover up this incident and that there has
been no formal Congressional investigation for more than
35 years is a gross miscarriage of justice for the brave
men who died as well as those who survived. Read this
book, and you'll cryout for justice to be served. Call
your Congressman or Senator and demand these folks get
justice.

America has become increasingly involved in the tensions in the Middle East and American military and civilians are increasingly at risk of retaliation. I felt it important to understand the history of the region and the issues that led to the deadly conflict. The information provided these last 25 years by the American media seemed biased and I wanted to know both sides of the story. Although history books can be biased too, I found Howard Sachar's account to be thorough, verifiable and straightforward to read. In addition to providing historical information, he painted a clear picture of the people involved in the conflict and the role of the US in building and supporting Israel. Although by the end of the book it is possible to discern his dovish opinion, I feel that he succeeded in presenting a fair account of the events. Since our country has taken such an active role in the Middle East, it is our duty as Americans to understand the conflict, form educated opinions, and make our opinions known to our elected officials. Howard Sachar's book is a must read.

What a magnificent work of scholarship. For people such as myself, who are only remotely familiar with the circumstances leading to the rise of the Zionist movement and to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, this is such rewarding book. Sachar's approach to his subject is quite astounding. Not only does he trace the political and social evolution of the country in a sober and even-handed way, but he provides a lucid exposition of the military conflicts and turbulent irruptions that have plagued the country since the early twentieth century. The duplicity and nervous diplomacy of the superpowers in dealing with Israel are also brought to light. Moreover, the rise of the PLO and PFLP are discussed, along with some of the other popular Arab movements, in a very incisive and fair manner. The writing style is quite eloquent, and the topics discussed are so diverse and interesting that the prose doesn't drag along, as one might expect from such a thick and heavy tome. The book is provided with a vast array of military, demographic and municipal maps, which make some of the historical incidents easier to follow. My only suggestion for any subsequent editions is that the book be provided with an insert of illustrations, depicting some of visual arts and archaeological sites that Sachar discusses, along with photographs of some of the important political figures mentioned in the text.

An exhaustive volume covering from the first aliyah in the 1880s through the murder of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995. Sachar adopts a moderate to liberal Israeli stance, admiring early Maipai and Labor leaders Ben-Gurion, Peres, and Rabin. On the other hand, he is unremittingly critical of Likud leadership as well as the influence of the Orthodox and charedim in Israeli society.

Readers should keep in mind that this tome is a history of Israel, and not of the conflict with the Arab States and Palestinians; while it does an excellent job revealing Israeli ideology regarding the conflict, it spends far less time discussing Arab thinking and motivation. Even so, it does not mince words in criticism of Israeli militarism, particularly that of current prime minister Ariel Sharon. An outstanding, extremely readable history of the Jewish state.