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Cradle & Crucible: History and Faith in the Middle East

national geographic daniel schorr david fromkin zahi hawass yossi klein halevi

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Through photographs, maps, and the writings of highly respected authors such as David Fromkin, Zahi Hawass, Sandra Mackey, and Milton Viorst, Cradle & Crucible details the historical, political, cultural, and religious forces that have shaped the region and unravels for readers the enigma that is the Middle East. Beginning with the prehistoric civilizations of the fertile crescent and continuing through the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, the first section of the book distills the Middle East's sweeping, often turbulent history. From the Hittites to Alexander the Great, from the Romans to the Crusaders, from the Ottomans to the Imperialists, the Middle East's rich tapestry of influences and identities is described with new critical insights. The book's second section is devoted to the Middle East's three great faiths, examining in depth the impact of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian beliefs on history and daily life in the Middle East. Filled with photographs and maps that contribute to a visual understanding of the subject, Cradle & Crucible is a timely guide to this complex, enormously important area of the world.

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1,2002

This edition

Format
224 pages, Paperback
Published
February 1, 2004 by National Geographic
ISBN
9780792265979
ASIN
0792265971
Language
English

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national geographic

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Rating(3.4 / 5.0, 7 votes)
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7 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
esss_05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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At first glance, this appears to be just a coffee-table book. (It's a National Geographic book, of course.) In fact, it gives an excellent overview of the history, cultures, and religions of the Middle East, especially in how past developments have laid the foundation for the current issues facing the region.
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Poudycat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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Good solid survey book. It would serve well as an introduction to the history and current issues in the region, but as someone who is pretty familiar with the region and its history, I also learned some new things. Of course, being a National Geographic book it features some intriguing photographs that accompany the text. Nothing spectacular or unique I suppose, but a good solid book on the Middle East.
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Stevic1
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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So much of the world is affected by the happenings in this particular corner of the world that I wanted some way to get a better handle on the history of it all. This is a PERFECT way to start. It gives the history of the region in general and then a brief history of each of the three major forces there: Islam; Judaism; and Christianity. Plus! Being from National Geographic it has breathtaking photographs.
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Yotha
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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It is a book that is thought to be one of these simple introduction books with very main headlines. Although it is in that manner , the coverage of a very complex and long history is successful and satisfactory. It may not be the one for the experts or for the ones who have deep knowledge , however a very good start to learn and understand Middle East or West Asia . Even the reason for calling the region with these different descriptions reflects the need of understanding the dynamics behind. The book provides these for the starters to learn about the region and its faiths & culture from the end of latest Ice Age around 10000 BC to beginning of 2000’s .
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spoonerator
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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Very mind-expanding book! It's funny -- I went to church for 18 years, and that whole experience never made me realize the ties that bind the Big Three as much as this book did. It really gave me a feeling of connectedness with those who I would otherwise have felt somewhat... distant and removed from.

And oh yeah -- this book also taught me that the Jewish tradition doesn't claim that you have to be a Jew to be saved, which is awesome. As long as I live my life well (which is something I don't take lightly), then I'm cool with Jewish-God.

Sweet. So I'll see all you guys in Jewish-heaven?
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fleebledee
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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Great book. The first half of the book chronicles the history of the Middle East from ancient to modern times. The last half deals with the religious history and faith of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity in the Middle East.
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