Suggested Reading List

Jesus of the Gospels: Teacher, Storyteller, Friend, Messiah, by Arthur Zannoni – it is excellent – published in late 1996, it is a good popular treatment of modern biblical scholarship on Jesus, his Jewishness and the world he lived in. It is short – only 200 pages, easy to read, and well worth reading.

Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before and After Jesus (Hinges of History), by Thomas Cahill – published in 1999 – author of How The Irish Saved Civilization and Gifts of the Jews, this book is insightful and excellent – easy to read and popularizes some of the best scholarship about Jesus and the world he grew up in. It is out in paperback.

The Source: A Novel, in his signature style of grand storytelling,  sweeps us back through time to the very beginnings of the Jewish faith, thousands of years ago. Through the lineage of four modern men and women, we trace the colorful history of the Jews, including the life of the early Hebrews and their persecution, the impact of Christianity on the Jewish world, the Crusades, and the Spanish inquisition. Michener weaves his epic tale of love, strength, and faith until he at last arrives at the founding of present-day Israel and the modern Middle East conflict.

Jerusalem and the Holy Land (Eyewitness Travel Guides), gorgeously illustrated and filled with excellent maps, this compact book is a thorough overview of Israel, its history, traditions, cultures and sights. With hundreds of color photographs and illustrations.

Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths, a popular history of Jerusalem by the author of “A History of God.” Armstrong tackles big subjects — and this book is no exception: a comprehensive, concise portrait of the city over the last 5,000 years written with the traveler in mind. She appreciates the unique hold of this sacred city on all three faiths. A member of the Association of Muslim Social Services in Jerusalem, she’s a former Roman Catholic nun who teaches Judaism. With site diagrams, maps and some illustrations.

In the Land of Israel, in this compelling volume first published in 1983, Israeli novelist Amoz Oz interviewed dozens of his fellow countrymen from all walks of life. A passionate, candid and diverse portrait of a people and their hopes, fears and prejudices.

The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land, an entertaining and readable portrait of the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity of the modern Israeli people. While terrorism and relations with Palestine are covered, Rosenthal also focuses on internal conflict and differences in the land, such as those between Ashkenazis and Sephardis, between Israeli Arabs and European Jewish settlers, and between the conservative and the secular.

Holy Land Map, this up-to-date map covers Israel, Palestine and the Holy Land in detail at a scale of 1:150,000. It includes a booklet with an index, descriptions of 10 top sights and a street plan of Jerusalem’s Old City. One Side. 43×29 inches.

The Innocents Abroad: or, The New Pilgrims’ Progress (Modern Library Classics),  One of the most famous travel books ever written about Europe and the Holy Land by an American, The Innocents Abroad is Mark Twain’s irreverent and incisive commentary on the “New Barbarians” encounter with the “Old World.”

The Israel Study Manual, by JoAnn G. Magnuson, this book will help you to interact seriously with the Bible through specially prepared materials. A comprehensive list of Bible references is found in the first pages of the Reference section. A detailed description of the sites we will visit is found in the Site description section. As you study, refer to your Bible Atlas and the map section frequently.

Exodus, by Leon Uris, is the story of Kitty Fremont, a Christian nurse, and her love for Ari Ben Canaan, a leader of the Jewish underground set against the background of the struggle for a Jewish homeland in Israel.

Titles by G.S.P. Freeman-Greenville

The Basilica of the Annunciation at Nazareth and Adjacent Shrines, a major Christian shrine, this basilica together with its neighboring shrines commemorate the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to Our Lady and the incarnation and early life of Jesus.

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, one of the most intriguing and sacred shrines of Christendom, this basilica has endured a long and dramatic history. Built by Constantine the Great, it was razed to the ground in 1009 only to be restored by the Crusaders. Richly illustrated, this timely guide is a fascinating source of information and inspiration.

The Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, focusing on the historical significance of the birthplace of Jesus, the author provides a comprehensive tour of the church and grottoes, as well as the nearby Shepherds’ Field and Herodion.

The Holy Land – A Pilgrim’s Guide to Israel, Jordan and the Sinai, designed for the Christian visitor to Israel, this extensively researched guide is invaluable as a record of Christian influence on the landscape of Israel. Its ten itineraries cover routes as diverse as Bethlehem, Hebron and Qumran, and allow for day trips across the border into Jordan and the Sinai.

The Land of Jesus Then & Now, this handsome guide covers in a concise and authoritative way the most important sites of Christianity in the Holy Land. The author begins with what Moses saw from Mount Nebo, looking at the land and then at its rulers and people in the time of Jesus. He then traces the life of Jesus, from his birthplace in Bethlehem, to his flight into Egypt and return to Nazareth, his ministry, and the events that followed – the Passover, the Passion, and the Resurrection.

The Onomasticon by Eusebius of Caesarea, here is the first-ever English translation of the ancient Greek Onomasticon by Eusebius of Caesarea, written in the early 4th century A.D.

Titles By: Anson F. Rainey, R. Steven Notley

 Carta’s New Century Handbook and Atlas of the Bible

The Quest: Revealing the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

 Carta’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem

Books by the author published by Carta:

Bible History Atlas

Carta’s Compact Bible Atlas – 2000 Jubilee Edition

The Illustrated Bible Atlas, with Historical Notes

Books by Paul H. Wright:

 Greatness Grace & Glory

 Understanding the New Testament

 Understanding the Geography of the Bible

Maps & Guides:

Israel Touring Atlas & Easy Guide, “The Best Potted Tour Guide to Israel” All road information and concise descriptions of places worth visiting, with directions to get there, in one easy volume.

Illustrated Wall Maps of the Bible, Covering the entire Bible epoch, this package of 12 wall maps is specially designed as a teacher’s aid for use in the classroom.

Pilgrim’s Map of the Holy Land, Highlights the sites that every pilgrim wishes to visit, with brief descriptions of each.

Carta’s Map of Jerusalem

Carta’s Map of Israel – Holy Land 2000, Produced by the latest cartographical methods, this colorful wall map is ideal for both home and classroom.