From Publishers Weekly
The vexed relationships among Judaism, Islam and Christianity form the theme of this lavishly illustrated but superficial coffee-table history of the Holy Land. Each religion receives a respectful but cursory overview, structured around profiles of religious figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed and based mostly on scriptural traditions with a smattering of history and archaeology. With this backdrop, the narrative skips forward from ancient times to the modern-day history of the region, from the beginnings of Zionist immigration to Palestine in the late 19th century to the current agony of occupation and suicide bombings. The irony that these faiths, which stem from a single tradition that extols peace and brotherhood, are locked in bloody antagonism is noted, especially in a culminating photo essay on the recent standoff in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, which saw Palestinian Muslims holding off besieging Israelis while coexisting amicably with Christian priests and nuns. The book's focus on religion means that other factors that might help explain the impasses in the Holy Land-the legacy of colonialism, competing secular nationalist ideologies, economic inequality between Israelis and Palestinians-are only touched upon. Fortunately, the text's shortcomings are secondary; the main attraction is the superb photographs, which vividly convey the austerity of Biblical landscapes, the grandeur of ancient religious monuments and the suffering of the victims of present-day violence.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
In examining a significant contemporary issue as the calendar approaches the holiday season, LIFE goes to "the Holy Land," the Middle East, to depict the places considered sacred by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Where did these faiths spring from, and what is the story that has these Holy Lands in such close proximity? The photography from these places is beautiful and inspirational; you can feel the ancient past as modern-day pilgrims pay homage. Crucial figures in each religion ( not just Moses, Christ and Muhammad, but figures that have a large crossover role in the story ( will be examined and explained. Beautiful artwork will embellish the photography, which will be, as always, the heart of this passionate LIFE book.
