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
more
I read this book as part of a high school elective class over forty years ago. This was the one that started it all for me. I’ve been a fan of the genre ever since then, because of this book. If it were not for this book, I don’t think I would have ever thought to write a book myself. I will forever be a fan of James A. Michener’s books.
One of my favorites
Great fictional account of the beginning of the Jewish faith. It has history, geography and religion. Very enjoyable.
There are some books that make a life-long lasting impression. The Source is the history of an archeological site in Israel that is both a spell-binder and full of information about the levels of civilization that are buried over time. Michenor provides the details in such a way that it makes you want to read more as you realize how one small locality can conceal so much vital history. Reading this book made me want to learn more about ancient civilizations and the stories revealed through archeology. Not an easy read, but very rewarding as are all of MIchenor’s books.
Great information about the Jewish people
I read this book many years ago, and while I love virtually everything that Mitchener has written, this remains one of my favorites. He was an incredible story teller, weaving vibrant fictional characters amid historic events. Really brings history to life.
My first James Michener book. Read it about 40 years ago. Currently re reading it.
Insight into ancient historical events of Christian, Jewish and Islamic religions.
One of this author’s absolute best.
One of my favorites by James Mitchner. Of course I love all his books.
Wish everyone loved history as I do, love even fictional history especially if it’s follows the Bible and the past history of the Jewish people.
The smartest book I have ever read and read again and once more. As archeologist dig down into one of many ‘tell’s’ in Isreal. The author tell us one story after another using one family and their ancestors as the protagonist throughout. Starting with an artifact found at the very bottom first, he begins to tell the story of a primitively people using them to illustrate the change over from being hunter gatherers to a farming people. As he moves up the tell the author tell us more about how civilization came about using this one family to encapsulate all of the peoples of the world as their ancestors discover all the important things a civilization needs to grow. This book is so very beautifully written by an author who has written best sellers, one after another.
A historical novels that goes from present to past so seamlessly. Mitchner at his finest
Wonderful book, although fiction much if it is based on fact and therefore entertaining and educational.
Not what I thought. Expected a story, not detailed account of writing process.
It was very hard to stY with. Wordy and droned on. The only Mitchner book I ever quit on.
my favorite book!
A long book as I expected from Michener. He explains things with many words that help you to visualize and understand with great detail what he portrays in his characters and situations. While this was a fictional story you learn a lot about the cultures and history in which the book is taking place.
Classic Michener.
Long but an excellent history of Israel, I went there and verified what he had said and even the Rabbi’s were real people,.