A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present

by Élie Barnavi

A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People, edited by Eli Barnavi, is one of those rare books that can literally make a reader gasp with delight and horror. It may even be the best one-volume history of Judaism in print. Beginning with "The Migrations of the Patriarchs," and continuing to the present day, the book's chapters include historical maps, timelines, illustrations and photographs, and narrative essays by leading historians (such as Moshe Idel) that help readers not only understand but visualize the movements of the Jewish people. The editors have chosen not to structure the story as leading inexorably to the Holocaust and the rise of Israel, although both events are covered in some detail. Instead, they have depicted the rich variety of lives established by the Diaspora in such far-flung places as China and England, and have been equally attentive to the joys and triumphs of Jews, both in everyday life and in national cultures, as to the considerable tragedies Jews have endured. The text of this book is smart and readable, but the real joy of the atlas is its illustrations, many of which are rarely seen, such as 20th-century artist Abel Pann's depiction of the creation of Adam, "He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." It's the kind of image that reminds you that life really is a gift, and makes you savor it. --Michael Joseph Gross

Genres: History, Judaism, Jewish, Religion, Judaica, Nonfiction, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 1992

About the author

Historien et politologue, professeur d'histoire de l'Occident moderne à l'université de Tel-Aviv, Élie Barnavi a dirigé le Comité scientifique du Musée de l'Europe à Bruxelles (1998-2000), avant d'être nommé Ambassadeur d'Israël en France. Spécialiste du XVIe siècle européen et de l'histoire contemporaine d'Israël.

Reviews

[Gerhard Venter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the reasons I'll never dispense with my — many too many — physical books. I'm not Jewish, but as a theologian I am very interested in Judaism. I love the look of this book, its feel, and its smell. I love to open it a random intervals and read an article or two. I just have to have this book.
It's encyclopedic in scope. If you're not a committed Jew yourself, this might be the only book you need on Judaism.

[Dan Kohn]

This is a gorgeous book. The maps are informative and a detailed timeline helps place each in historical context. My only complaint is that the text it offers isn't very substantive, only offering a few tidbits of information before cutting off altogether. Treat it as an Atlas and it is a wonderful resource.

[Lupo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sul concetto di popolo ebraico si può molto discutere e infatti è lunga e argomentata l'introduzione dove si parla anche del titolo. Testo molto bello e molto istruttivo, fatto di tavole riassuntive e carte geografiche. Per la parte antica espone la storia biblica con esplicito invito a prenderla con le molle. Di fatto, si parte dal medioevo.

[Arnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference and gift book. Wonderful collections of essays, photos and graphics arranged by era and subject. Sometimes confusing when a subject or concept is referenced without introduction. Some annoying typos.

[Libraryscat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just looking at the cover, one suspects that this book is going to be special. I was not disappointed. In addition to wonderful samples of art and other cultural materials, there is a tremendous amount of factual information. I have read the book over a large period of time, examining each time period, or century, for details of Jewish life and living. This book is definitely one that I will use for personal research as well as seeking out beauty.