Jealous Gods and Chosen People: The Mythology of the Middle East

Rating:
Summary: A Brief and Lucid Introduction to Near Eastern Mythology
Review: Dr. Leeming's manuscript, albeit a brief and rather cursory treatment of Near Eastern mythology, is lucidly written and quite good. His introduction to the history and prehistory of the region is far too short, however this can be overlooked as his specialization is comparative literature and not Near Eastern prehistoric archaeology. He did dedicate a few pages to summarizing what is currently known of the Paleolithic and Neolithic, which is more than can be said of most authors.

The scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are presented in the context that they should be, as mythology. For this reason, Dr. Leeming is to be commended. His assessment of the Abrahamic traditions is entirely accurate, however not always popular.

Not a book for everyone, but it is a great little introduction for the non-specialist.