Israel: The Historical Atlas--The Story of Israel--From Ancient Times to the Modern Nation

by The New York Times (Editor)

The state of Israel celebrates its 50th anniversary on May 14, 1998. Here in one volume is the definitive history and atlas of the young Jewish nation from ancient Palestine to the ongoing peace negotiations. Ten editors and correspondents of "The New York Times" (including five Pulitzer Prize winners) examine the political, military, and social evolution of Israeli statehood. With journalistic objectivity and onsite experience, these 10 writers present exclusive reports on major historical events, including British rule, the Israeli War of Independence, the Yom Kippur War, PLO terrorism, Camp David, and the ever-changing confluence of religion and politics that has become the Middle East. In addition, selected articles and photographs are edited from "The New York Times" archives for inclusion in this remarkable volume. Israel's variable borders, settlements, and conflicts over the past five decades are expertly displayed in 50 specially commissioned maps from historical cartographer Malcolm Swanston.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 1997

About the author

The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. Founded in 1851, the newspaper has won 112 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news organization. Its website receives 30 million unique visitors per month.

Reviews

[Eli Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about how Israel came about apart from the Biblical stories. While this book contained some Biblical truth, I learned a lot more, politically speaking, about the nation of Israel. The book is full of images that help me visualize how history has impacted land territories when leadership changes. It provides biographies within the book as well about Political and religious leaders in the nation. The book provides an in-depth history of the nation of Israel from multiple perspectives and wars. It states Israels enemies, allies, leaders, political structures, and economy. I've enjoyed learning more about Israel than I did before I read this book. 4/5 stars. I chose not to give it 5 stars because at some points the book can become a little difficult to understand. It certainly doesn't make things easy to follow as it branches out on subtopics that may divert the reader from the main point that was presented. This is why I chose to give it 4 instead of 5 stars.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of the conflicts of the last sixty years and earlier. I don't know if it's because the book is pro-Israeli even when it doesn't try to be, but I get the impression of childish behaviour on the part of the Arab states (trying to deny Israeli military superiority and inflate their own and trying to blame Britain and France for attacks to facilitate the denial, as an example; denying the existence of the State and blacking it out in encyclopaediae sold in their countries, as another). I am more concerned about the 2% of Christians in the State of Israel that are never mentioned, probably because they are living quietly and not throwing things at other people.

[J B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to find this book again since I first saw it in a bookstore in Haifa, Israel in 1997. Finally found it at the library. It has wonderful maps of how things have changed in the region as well as interesting stories from the journalists.