In his signature style of grand storytelling, James A. Michener transports us back thousands of years to the Holy Land. Through the discoveries of modern archaeologists excavating the site of Tell Makor, Michener vividly re-creates life in an ancient city and traces the profound history of the Jewish people—from the persecution of the early Hebrews, the rise of Christianity, and the Crusades to … to the founding of Israel and the modern conflict in the Middle East. An epic tale of love, strength, and faith, The Source is a richly written saga that encompasses the history of Western civilization and the great religious and cultural ideas that have shaped our world.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener’s Hawaii.
Praise for The Source
“Fascinating . . . stunning . . . [a] wonderful rampage through history . . . Biblical history, as seen through the eyes of a professor who is puzzled, appalled, delighted, enriched and impoverished by the spectacle of a land where all men are archeologists.”—The New York Times
“A sweeping [novel] filled with excitement—pagan ritual, the clash of armies, ancient and modern: the evolving drama of man’s faith.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Magnificent . . . a superlative piece of writing both in scope and technique . . . one of the great books of this generation.”—San Francisco Call Bulletin
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It is a marvelous story that takes place in the BC. It is about the lives of the people living in a small village during turbulent times that is walled off from invaders. The story revolves around a tunnel that is being dug so water can be transferred from outside the walls to the people. Before, invaders would just wait until people needed water and had to open the gate. Michener is soooo detailed. There is a lot of material in his books, so it makes writing this review difficult. I just know that I loved this story and it gave me a lot of food for thought.
It has been a long time since I read this wonderful book for the second or third time. James Michener does an excellent job of researching his novels and takes you to that time and place. This book is the ultimate Michener book and I would recommend it to everyone.
One of my favorite books of all time. The history of Israel across the ages told through the eyes of different characters. I’ve visited Megiddo several times and this book brings it alive.
I found this novel of the history of the development of Judaism fascinating. Like many Michener novels it is short on character development, but as a novelized history covering thousands of years, it is insightful and well-researched.
I love this book. It is history packed with new information for me. This book transported me to Israel from the beginning years of man and dropped me off in the 60s. It answered questions that I’ve had most of my life and is relevant to today’s circumstances in the world.
Michener is unparalleled in giving the readers living history. The Source presents an archaeological dig in the Mideast, a “tell”, that is layers of civilization atop one another. Each layer has its own story. I have read this twice and will definitely read it again.
Absolute fascinating read-so much research-the information is outstanding-could not put down-ready to ready again
This is a must read for anyone interested in theology or history of the Holy Land. Michener entwines a vast amount of historical information with characters real and fictional, adds historically accurate events mingled with imagination to create a very readable novel. Be prepared to spend some time reading and thinking – it is a long and thought provoking work.
It’s Michener. So it is long, detailed and goes back to the Stone Age. Who cares? It’s Michener. It is also his finest work. I love his books because he immerses you in the environment and how it impacts the characters. I love the characters he gives us. I love how he finds ways to connect the characters in each segment of the book to the characters in the prior segments. It has been a long time since I read it but I vividly remember a segment in medieval Spain, a segment in pre WWII Poland. I need to do a re=read!! The Source is almost a series of novellas; if you have to leave it at the end of a segment, the next segment is a stand alone story with just that thread of connection to the last one.
The Source is one of my all-time favorites. I have read it twice in the the last 40 years and have started a third time. The characters are real, and the historical content is amazing.
I found The Source to be fascinating. It tells the story of an archaeological dig in Israel, from two directions: from the archaeologists as they process downwards from the present day; and upwards from the earliest people who lived in that location and others who came after through the ages. At the same time we also learn of the interpersonal relationships of those involved in the dig, as well as some of the Israeli government’s intricacies.
I had tried reading The Source when it first came out (in the 60’s? My mother had it), but I wasn’t quite ready to deal with Michener’ s in-depth writing. He sure does his research and throws so much of it into every one of his books!
I finally read The Source in the mid-90’s, having picked up a used paperback at a charity shop. I devoured it!! I couldn’t stop reading it well into many sleepless nights until I was done.
I hope other readers will enjoy it as much as I have. I have recommended it to many close friends. Kent that paperback to a friend several years ago and never got it back. That’s why I bought the Kindle edition: I want to read it again… and maybe again in a few years?
I have reread this book a number of times. It is about being on a dig in Israel. He tells a story for each item the uncover, and also a story in the present.
Each story can stand on its own.
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Like all Michener books it’s very much history turned into fiction. One of the all time greats!
My very favorite book. Reread it every few years
I first read this book when it was originally published, so it’s been about 50 years. I remember loving it at that time. Reading it now is like reading it for the first time as I remembered very little. It’s a great story about the history of Israel from prehistoric times. It’s very long, but worth every page.
Best book on religious history ive ever read! It made me want to research more about religion from a historical view instead of spiritual.
The story is fascinating and believable and explanatory.
It explains at least to me of who we are and how did we get here.
It’s gripping and incredible, but it has to be believed all at the same compressed moment. Read it. Tell the story to others and get them to read it. Wonderful. Thanks
Richard Sepler
Definitely my favorite Michener Novel. Could not put it down. I usually get a little tired of his stories near the end. Not this one!!!