i had heard about this book for years, but it is very outdated and provided a great deal of incorrect information. i read it in short segments, hoping to find a portion that was factual. dimont portrays the Jews hagiographically, and that buries much truth. he also downplays antisemitism, which has been a real problem throughout jewish history. i would definitely not recommend this book! ( )

I read this book some time ago and forgot to enter it. However, it was quite good. ( )

A relatively thin book on a huge topic, the story of a religion which has had tremendous influence on the world. Given the scale, it is cursory in some areas, but a beginning for the student of the area. I would label it as useful rather than insightful. ( )

I have had this book a long time, and recently rediscovered it on my bookshelf. I think I bought it at a thrift store. It is a used paperback in poor condition; the back cover is missing, but I don't know if any of the pages are lost. The index ends with the Vs, and it is possible that there was originally more. Seems like the word "Yiddish" would have been included.

I started reading it because I have been curious about the history of the Jewish people since Biblical times. Now I am still in the Biblical era in my reading, and am unhappy. The author conjectures things that are contrary to Scripture. Sometimes I'm tempted to skip over until after the Roman destruction of the Temple, but I probably will continue as I am doing.

A comprehensive history of the Jewish people, which views that history as a part of world history rather than as an isolated narrative. It clarifies much of the early history of Israel/Judea, putting the Bible stories I learned as a child into the world-historical context that I have since adopted. The book also discusses Jewish religious belief and practice over the centuries in an accessible manner. Finally, it is an enjoyable book to read. ( )