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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Fascinating story of different civilizations based on archaeological finds.
I really like Michener, and this is one of the first of his books I read. I read it at least 20 years ago and now in a campaign to re-read his books. They’re very long, so plan on setting aside some time. I recently finished Texas and took two breaks to read shorter books before I finished it. I like Michener’s style and have learned a lot of history reading him. He did follow a formula in his long books: first he started off with history of the local geology (particularly in Alaska and Hawaii), and then he began introducing characters whose family lines he continued to follow for several generations to more modern times. If you decide you like the way he writes, you’ll keep reading him. You’d be surprised how entertaining history can be!
best way to approach history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islamism
This wonderful book describes the history of Israel and its immediate surroundings through the stories about the archaeological dig of a water source. Although the story is fiction, there is such a spring that has been integral to the history of Jerusalem and Israel. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the history of the region, related through the stories of ordinary people.
So far I have loved all the James A Michener books. Although it is historical fiction, I believe that much research goes into his books to depict accurate description of the past. I have learned much from his books and enjoy reading them.
Wonderful book for those interested in archaeology. The story is of the archaeologists digging the tell and the story of those who lived in each layer as the archaeologists uncover them. Beautifully composed stories cuting back and forth from 1965 Isreal through the history of the Jewish people. Really worth reading.
I love this book. I read it again about every 5 years. It is an amazingly intricate historical novel and delightful to read.
One of my all-time favorites!
Good material and worth reading
Historical novel very entertaining if you have an interest in the Middle East and particularly the nation of Israel. It is not any sort of propaganda or a slanted view of history, just a fair and interesting story. Definitely worth a read.
Wish everyone could read this GREAT book
I read this many years ago and it still visits my brain with images and historical memories. He literally does go back to the source of recorded history. A story is woven around each artifact discovered at an archeological dig starting with the earliest/oldest. Farming, cities, religions, conflicts. A wonderful read that brings humanity’s history alive.
I was amazed by how easily I got hooked on this book! I’d never heard of this author before this book, but I’m already looking for his other works.
The Source is a story about the source of humanity in Israel, as well as the evolution of Judaism and eventually other religions and cultures. Fascinating read, and I highly recommend it!!
I started reading this and got about 1/4 way through. I have read the books by this author and I know it sometimes takes a while to get into his stories. However, this book was so technical that I really had trouble getting into it but will try again at a later date. I don’t like to give up on finishing a book.
After reading the book I went to Medigo which was the area that was the basis of the book,I read it many years ago.
Weird
Michener’s books are always eye-opening. This is perhaps my favorite Michener read.
Great book. Hard to start,but once started you can’t put it down.
Read this years ago, excellent history of Israel. Have often thought about reading it again. There aren’t too many books that good!
One of my favorite books of all times. I was depressed when I finished it since I had to say goodbye to something I knew I would miss.