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105th out of 3,221 books
—
13,998 voters
The Source
In the grand storytelling style that is his signature, James Michener sweeps us back through time to the very beginnings of the Jewish faith, thousands of years ago. Through the predecessors of four modern men and women, we experience the entire colorful history of the Jews, including the life of the early Hebrews and their persecutions, the impact of Christianity, the Cru...more
Paperback, 928 pages
Published
July 9th 2002
by Random House Trade Paperbacks
(first published 1965)
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I can remember reading this thing for hours each night curled up in bed when I was 13 years old. It basically began my career in archaeology (fingers crossed for grad school apps). Based on Tel Megiddo, it tells the story of a fictional Tel from its birth to its excavation 12,000 years later. It follows the path of a single family against many gods as it tells the story of Canaanite, Hebrew, Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Israeli civilization. While some of the material is dated, it nevertheless rem...more
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This was a book that helped me have a more complete view of world history and all the tensions surrounding the middle east. I read in in high school during the first gulf war. My high school was pretty substandard, it was a small town, and the students didn't care or try very hard. The school was struggling just to teach the basics. I wanted more than that and I read a lot of stuff. My mom had a subscription to Newsweek and I read it nearly cover to cover every week since I was 12. Despite all m...more
One of my favorite books ever. It's a long one, so give yourself plenty of time.
Tells the story of religion in Israel through the findings of an archaeological dig 90 miles north of Jerusalem. It's divided into stories about 100 pages long, so it doesn't feel quite like you're reading a 1,000 page book. Like all Michener novels, it is very well researched. The characters seem real and, Michener also fleshes out historical figures.
Some sex and violence (have you read the Old Testament?) but nothi...more
Tells the story of religion in Israel through the findings of an archaeological dig 90 miles north of Jerusalem. It's divided into stories about 100 pages long, so it doesn't feel quite like you're reading a 1,000 page book. Like all Michener novels, it is very well researched. The characters seem real and, Michener also fleshes out historical figures.
Some sex and violence (have you read the Old Testament?) but nothi...more
Aug 29, 2007
Zach Judkins
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
any avid reader interested in archeology, history and religion.
This book is long. A very good read but long. I would recomend reading another book alongside this one to keep from becoming burnt out. Still, this is a very good book, from one of the best authors of the day. This book tells the history of ancient isreal and its religions in a very interesting way. it begins with a group of archeologists that discover the remains of an old city in modern isreal. They begin to dig and as they get deeper come across artifacts of older and older civilizations. Whe...more
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Feb 08, 2008
Melissa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who likes history, or wants to feel accomplished after reading 900+ pages
Recommended to Melissa by:
my Dad
If you've ever held something really old in your hands and wondered, "what was life like when this was made?" The Source is a chance to have your musings answered. Michener weaves fiction and history together seamlessly as he intertwines a narrative of an archeological dig in the 1960s (think: Indiana Jones without the bullwhip) with the stories of the artifacts and the people who created them. He traces the history of a single town in Israel/Palestine through the ages - from man's earliest atte...more
Loved it! It's daunting since it's over 1000 pages and has been on my shelf since my mom gave it to me in high school or college. I finally picked it up in August and had a rough start with it, but once I got going, found it facinating and more of a history lesson that I feel I got in school (even though it's fiction.)
I would recommend it strongly to anyone interested in world history (any era) and world religions. It was particularly relevant to the past weeks events in Gaza. Many parts of this...more
I would recommend it strongly to anyone interested in world history (any era) and world religions. It was particularly relevant to the past weeks events in Gaza. Many parts of this...more
4 likes · like · see review
I read this book many years ago and loved it then. With my upcoming trip to Isreal I had to go back to this one and am enjoying it more the second time around. Of course I don't really remember what I read in 1969 so it's all new again. Chock full of history specifically to the area we will be visiting. Can't wait. Too bad I couldn't get it on Kindle.
3 likes · like · see review
This book chronicles the history of the Jewish people from caveman times to the present. Actually, the caveman wasn't Jewish, but his descendants were. I kind of skipped through the caveman part (I'm not really into that) but found the bulk of the book which is based on history fascinating and compelling. How Michener tells the story is he goes through the layers at an archealogical dig site and each layer tells a story. Jewish history is amazing. Two final notes: If your sympathies lie more tow...more
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I have read a number of Michener's books and this is one the best. I just loved how Michener introduced each period in the story by how a dig reveals artifacts in different layers (era). I particularly enjoyed the parts where the Olympic games were held - how the people observed them. There was also a fascinating chapter about the evolution of religion through the introduction of a figurine of Astarte. This book is quite educational. I recommend it to those who are interested in learning more ab...more
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This is typical Michener, and he went on the archaeological excavations at Hazor to research it. I really loved it when I read it in junior high, which I did partly to prove that I could read such long books. I reread it several times afterwards. Now, as an archaeologist who specialized in ancient Israel, I can say that it's a fun book to read, but the interpretations are sensationalist, overtly Zionist, and now out of date. On the other hand, it probably stirs up interest in my field, and it is...more
Michener once again provides a journey of thousands of years in about a thousand pages. This story revolves around the excavation of Tell Makor, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. It takes the reader through about 10 civilization and times, tied together by the layers they form in the tell, and a family descended from Ur. The primary theme is man's relationship with God and culture. Michener portrays how cultivation of land led to reliance on gods, how Judaism led to monotheis...more
This book was a long, but a very informing read. Through the many fictional stories Michener presents in this novel, it almost seems as though it is non-fiction. Upon doing some extra research on Michener, he was no doubt a history buff. The stories he created surrounding the fictional land of Makor helped my understanding of Western Civilization more so than any textbook could have. The story follows archaeologists who find all different types of artifacts on the Tell and you are transported ba...more
The Source is another of James Michener's epic fictional histories. This one explores a part of northern Israel from the times of the pagans, through Jewish independence, Christian ascendance, Muslim conquest, resurgence of Judaism nationality, to the establishment of Israel.
Note: some of the story does take place in Italy in the middle-ages as Michener relates the plight of Jews there and their decision to migrate to the Land of Israel.
The story is told through an excavation of a site in northe...more
Note: some of the story does take place in Italy in the middle-ages as Michener relates the plight of Jews there and their decision to migrate to the Land of Israel.
The story is told through an excavation of a site in northe...more
This is fiction! There is so much of the Biblical history of the Jews intertwined that I had to keep reminding myself - this is fiction! Three archaeologists, in dig which reveals centuries of life in the fictional city of Makor, are Jewish, Arab, and Catholic Christian. Their interactions based on the histories and the living out of their particular faiths is fascinating - a wonderful historical and contemporary review. Here are some quotes that leaped out to me:
Page 330 - “...the mystery of th...more
Page 330 - “...the mystery of th...more
The Source is a thing of beauty in its planning and intricacies. This books is three things at once: A novel, a collection of short stories, and a history of religion from ancient times through to the modern era, and it works wonderfully on all three levels, though it is best as a novel since every story actually ties together in the end, much like one would expect human history to do. Everything is connected, and that includes us all as people. Most of all, though, if you have any interest in J...more
Another epic novel by my favorite author. This book was a beast to get through and I've been reading it off and on for months now. It was utterly fascinating. The book is about the land we now call Israel. It starts with primitive peoples and their creation of "religions". There were many difficult things to read about such as killing of 1st born sons to the God Baal. (I think) -symbolic of things to come? The Jews were of course the central characters in this story and the evolution of their "r...more
The current news of a 1,500 year old church uncovered in an archaeological dig in Israel was like déjà vu for me after reading The Source early this New Year's.
This picture above, and its story could be straight out of a movie version of The Source. I think the book's dig was based on Tel Megiddo, but Michener observed archaeologists at work at Hazor to prepare for writing this book.
As you can tell from reading the other reviews here, the conflicts between peoples and the layering of religious...more
This picture above, and its story could be straight out of a movie version of The Source. I think the book's dig was based on Tel Megiddo, but Michener observed archaeologists at work at Hazor to prepare for writing this book.
As you can tell from reading the other reviews here, the conflicts between peoples and the layering of religious...more
This book should be required reading for all students. Michener uses his historical fiction style to trace the development of the worlds three great religons (jewish, Christian and muslim) through the story of the family of UR. The UR family's orgin was in the caves of Makor in 10,000 BCE. The story is based on a dig in the Tell of Makor in 1964. Makor is a fictional place that had been refered to in the old testament. The dig is made by a group from Chicago but most of the workers are from the...more
I can't help putting five stars on this and most of Michener's novels. I read this more slowly than usual and consequently had already forgotten some things I learned at the beginning. But I get the feeling that if in my history class any teacher had handed me any Michener book, my classmates and I would not have been sleeping and acting up. This one dealt with the Holy Land, from the time when man was first a man (out of ape-stage, still living in a cave) and built the first house. And it moved...more
I have mixed fond and not so fond memories about "The Source." I am a huge Michener fan and have read all of his books. "The Source" is at the top of my Michener list along with "The Drifters." I started "The Source" in 1974 when I was visiting Israel, the subject of the book. Part of my visit included a bus tour of Israel. I was delighted to read about a place, then reach the actual site of which Michener was writing. The problem was that, about the time I arrived in Israel, I developed a serio...more
I have read this torn, twenty-five year old copy three times now. No easy feet, as it is one of the thicker michener books. The first time I read it, Iwanted to convert to Judaism and go to Israel and live on a kibbutz. I wanted to dig in the dirt and find relics and artifacts that would confirm the existence of God. I wanted to be a part of the spirit that was behind the community of believers, scientists, anthropologists. The educated and strong. I wanted to get tan and lean and smart and worl...more
This one of my favorites, from the master storyteller. It is, barring the Bible , one of the only books I have read that have truly explored the wanderings and tragedy of the world's most racially vilified people. It is true histories, with a little romance and fiction thrown in.
Another no-holds barred historical epic from the father of chronological writing epics. His research is impeccable, his characters are both real and realistic- and Michener just proves over and over, that he has a gift...more
Another no-holds barred historical epic from the father of chronological writing epics. His research is impeccable, his characters are both real and realistic- and Michener just proves over and over, that he has a gift...more
long, worth it. A trip through mideast history from the perspective of layers of archaeological dig. Way back, to 10,000 years ago, then up through Canaanites, Hebrews, Phoenicians, early Christians, Greece, Rome, Arabs, Turks, Crusaders. Michener seems to paint the Crusaders the least sympathetically, but maybe early Europe was just that dark.
Hard to know how historically accurate, but probably good enough for a deep sense of the conflicts over land, water, religion, sex. If you don't know this...more
Hard to know how historically accurate, but probably good enough for a deep sense of the conflicts over land, water, religion, sex. If you don't know this...more
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A GREAT EPIC PORTRAYAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS, BUT..
Departing from a digging in an archeological place where important ancient pieces are dug up, Michener reconstructs the whole history of the Jewish people from the early beginnings of Judaism to the contemporary sabra fighting for Israel independence in the XX century
Every chapter develops over a period in history and relates to a piece found and later traced to that specific time
Positive: Though recreated with some fictional contents, is a...more
Departing from a digging in an archeological place where important ancient pieces are dug up, Michener reconstructs the whole history of the Jewish people from the early beginnings of Judaism to the contemporary sabra fighting for Israel independence in the XX century
Every chapter develops over a period in history and relates to a piece found and later traced to that specific time
Positive: Though recreated with some fictional contents, is a...more
This is a difficult review to write. I found the characters that the author created to be pretty compelling, and that's what kept me reading the more than 1,000 pages. But the overall message of the book is disappointing, and maybe even maddening. In making this book primarily about the trevails of Jews in creating their own state, Michener pretty much dismisses the idea of God as an invention of human beings. And while one might take what is written as simply a storyline of the imagination, it...more
In which I review this book's one star reviews:
"Painfully simplistic, implying that some of the greatest, centuries-long developments of mankind could happen within a generation or two. I had to stop reading less than halfway through, as I couldn't get past the gaping inaccuracy, anachronisms, and sheer fallacies. Other than that, and a few fairly flat characters, the writing was decent enough."
Our reviewer opens up his review with his metaphorical knife at the throat of the book. Not only does...more
"Painfully simplistic, implying that some of the greatest, centuries-long developments of mankind could happen within a generation or two. I had to stop reading less than halfway through, as I couldn't get past the gaping inaccuracy, anachronisms, and sheer fallacies. Other than that, and a few fairly flat characters, the writing was decent enough."
Our reviewer opens up his review with his metaphorical knife at the throat of the book. Not only does...more
An epic read--I learned more about religion and Middle East/European history than any other book I have ever read. It is amazing to read about the advancement of man from the time of the caveman to Israel in the 1960s. Plus, it was fascinating to read about the history of one location from caveman days until the 1060s. My favorite chapters were about the rabbis in Safed, the crusade times, and the creation of Israel. The story revolves around an archeological dig and an American archeologist--th...more
Nov 13, 2011
Nancy
added it
I vaguely remember reading (or skimming) The Source years ago in high school but know I never gave it the concentration it deserves. Just finished it last week and will probably re-read to organize the dates and civilizations better. I found it to be highly readable as a novel, and would appeal to a wide range of readers, interested in Middle East affairs, interested in development of Christianity, interested in enduring Judaism? I am involved in Christian education, and a nonspecialist student...more
I want to reread this one. I recall being blown away by it when I read it long ago ... in fact, long before I became Christian ... just as a compelling way to travel through the history and people of a region. I still recall much of it vividly.
Michener was brought to my attention recently when I was looking through Kindle samples and reviews of more recent versions of geographical/gigantic historical fiction. As I discarded author after author, I found myself captivated by the couple of Michener...more
Michener was brought to my attention recently when I was looking through Kindle samples and reviews of more recent versions of geographical/gigantic historical fiction. As I discarded author after author, I found myself captivated by the couple of Michener...more
My favorite Michener book.
A friend gave this book to me at one of the lowest points in my life. I would like to say it inspired me to pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again. Not even close. But I did enjoy the book. Enjoyed it enough so that when I found my way out of the stark black and grey forest of depression; I picked it up again. And enjoyed it just as much. But for different reasons.
Like all of Michener's books, there are stories to suit a multitude of tastes, emotions...more
A friend gave this book to me at one of the lowest points in my life. I would like to say it inspired me to pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again. Not even close. But I did enjoy the book. Enjoyed it enough so that when I found my way out of the stark black and grey forest of depression; I picked it up again. And enjoyed it just as much. But for different reasons.
Like all of Michener's books, there are stories to suit a multitude of tastes, emotions...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Source | 17 | 100 | Jan 06, 2013 11:01am | |
| What's The Name o...: Story of an ancient city through history based on an artifact found per chapter [s] | 4 | 124 | Oct 24, 2012 01:37pm |
James Albert Michener is best known for his sweeping multi-generation historical fiction sagas, usually focusing on and titled after a particular geographical region. His first novel,
Tales of the South Pacific
, which inspired the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Toward the end of his life, he created the Journey Prize, awarded annually for th...more
More about James A. Michener...
Toward the end of his life, he created the Journey Prize, awarded annually for th...more
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“A Roman came to Rabbi Gimzo the Water Carrier, and asked, "What is this study of the law that you Jews engage in?" and Gimzo replied, "I shall explain. There were two men on a roof, and they climbed down the chimney. One's face became sooty. The other's not. Which one washed his face?" The Roman said, "That's easy, the sooty one, of course." Gimzo said, "No. The man without the soot looked at his friend, saw that the man's face was dirty, assumed that his was too, and washed it." Cried the Roman, "Ah ha! So that's the study of law. Sound reasoning." But Gimzo said, "You foolish man, you don't understand. Let me explain again. Two men on a roof. They climb down a chimney. One's face is sooty, the other's not. Which one washes?" The Roman said, "As you just explained, the man without the soot." Gimzo cried,"No, you foolish one! There was a mirror on the wall and the man with the dirty face saw how sooty it was and washed it." The Roman said, "Ah ha! So that's the study of law! Conforming to the logical." But Rabbi Gimzo said, "No, you foolish one. Two men climbed down the chimney. One's face became sooty? The other's not? That's impossible. You're wasting my time with such a proposition." And the Roman said, "So that's the law! Common sense." And Gimzo said, "You foolish man! Of course it was possible. When the first man climbed down the chimney he brushed the soot away. So the man who followed found none to mar him." And the Roman cried, "That's brilliant, Rabbi Gimzo. Law is getting at the basic facts." And for the last time Gimzo said, "No, you foolish man. Who could brush all the soot from a chimney? Who could ever understand all the facts?" Humbly the Roman asked, "Then what is the law?" And Gimzo said quietly, "It's doing the best we can to ascertain God's intention, for there were indeed two men on a roof, and they did climb down the same chimney. The first man emerged completely clean while it was the second who was covered with soot, and neither man washed his face, because you forgot to ask me whether there was any water in the basin. There was none.”
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“We seek God so earnestly, Eliav reflected, not to find Him but to discover ourselves.”
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