The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of the Bible (Complete Idiot's Guide to...)

Rating:
Summary: Filled in a lot of blanks!
Review: The power of the Bible is such that sometimes one forgets that the stories therein take place in a real world full of interesting living people like the Egyptians, Canaanites, Moabites, Assyrians, Romans, etc. and of course the Israelites. This book sheds a lot of light on the various places and peoples of Bible times and how archaeologists and other scholars have attempted to further our knowledge. As can be expected, there are often disagreements amongst the experts, and the author usually takes a refreshingly neutral stance in presenting different viewpoints. I especially appreciated the historical background information on the likes of the Babylonians, Persians, etc. and the parts dealing with daily life amongst the Israelites were interesting and informative. (And I never knew the Philistines were so sophisticated!) I highly recommend this book as a very good introduction to the Biblical world!

Rating:
Summary: Good but just...
Review: This was an o.k. read. I was expecting more. The last chapter about Israel and tips on visiting is gold. Buy used.