Michigan Books

For those of you who love reading about the great achievements of the various industrialists, this is a great book for you. This book is in the same spirit of Dr. Folsom's currently most widely known work "The Myth of the Robber Barons". That is, it contains a little over half a dozen chapters of various different entrepreneurs who are of great significance in business history.

I recommend this book for several reasons. First, it is written from the perspective from someone who understands economics and is highly appreciative of the benign effects of free market capitalism. Tragically, such is a rarity nowadays. Second, this book contains a lot of unique information. Where else can you read detailed accounts of the pioneering vertical integration of John Jacob Astor's fur trading company, Henry Ford's revolutionary practices in mass production or Herbert Dow's crafty victory over the British bleach cartel and the German bromine cartel or the perseverance of William Kellogg in a single volume? Finally, this book contains *essentialized* history. That is, you can learn about the achievements of these great industrialists without having to commit yourself to reading an 800-paged tome biography.

If this book greatly interests you, I also highly recommend:
* The Myth of the Robber Barons by Burton Folsom
* The Capitalist Manifesto by Andrew Bernstein
* Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand
* The Wizard of Menlo Park by Randall Stross

Burton Folsom's Empire Builders is a stunning tour de force--a compelling tale of great entrepreneurs and how their contributions carved a great state out of a mosquito-infested, swamp-filled territory.

The stories of how Will Kellogg got going in the corn flakes business, how Herbert Dow whipped the German bromine cartel, how John Jacob Astor built a flourishing fur trade in direct competition with the federal government, and how Henry Ford and Billy Durant made Michigan a car-producing behemoth are among the fascinating accounts Folsom weaves into this book. Underlying it all is a time-honored principle that so many of today's historians (being left-leaning tenured academics living in their own world while feeding off the toil of the very risk-taking businesspeople they love to criticize)seem to ignore: get government involved in enterprise and the result is poverty and disaster; leave people alone in a free society and the result is opportunity and prosperity for ! all.

Thank you, Dr. Folsom, for this most enlightening and lively history. I hope your employer lets you write many more such works.

I am a history and economics teacher and use this book as a core textbook in my classroom.

We hear many a story of nasty businessmen these days, but seldom are we presented with stories of heroism, other than in fantasy movies or fairy tales. This is a book of real, historical heroes and villains from Michigan history.

Unlike most books about businessmen, this book illustrates historic battles between government-sponsored (political) entrepreneurs and free-market (market) entrepreneurs with riveting results that run contrary to what you generally read in your grade-school history textbooks. If you cross-reference them, you will notice that the traditional history textbooks don't generally contradict the facts of this book. Instead the present select facts without the complete context and let you infer false conclusions.

The fastideous refrencing and historic detail does not attempt to whitewash successful businessmen into flawless white knights, but it does not endeavour to unjustly demonize them as "robber barons" either.

If you appreciate honest history, told as a chronological story with fascinating detail, this book is for you.

The same author has written others of the same nature, the most well-known being "The Myth of the Robber Barons." The author teaches at Hillsdale College, which shares the author's principles.

From my experience, students reading this book learn to view history with interest and inspiration rather than boredom and cynicism. It helps them to leave my classroom believing that honest effort can lead to great success.

This book is a follow-on to Folsom's, "the myth of the robber barons", a great piece on the golden age of American industrialization in the last half of the 19th century. However, This book specifically focuses on "those Michigan entrepreneurs who helped make America great" (the sub-title).

The story of John Jacob Astor in the fur business says it all. It was his fur business against that of the US governments'. Incentives being what they are, Astor florished while the government agent was a miserable failure, but not before dishonestly trying to run Astor out of business. It's the same story with the railroads both in Michigan and across the Pacific northwest; the ones built with private money versus the ones built with government subsidies. Always the same old story! Private ventures have to satisfy market demand while the purveyors for the government ignore it, as though they're living in some parallel dimension. One suceeds while the other is a collosal waste of time and money.

The ensuing chapters catalogue the exploits of Herbert Dow (chemicals), of Will Kellogg (cereal), of William Durant (GM), of Stevens Mason (the first govenour), and of Henry Ford. All of these men were tireless workers with incredible judgement, who engaged in sound business practices while possesing unparalleled visions of the future. It's truly remarkable to live their stories thru these chapters. I own a business with a partner like this and it's fascinating just watching how he operates day-to-day. It's a lot of unusual qualities all bottled up in one person. They don't come along every day, and when you recognize that socialists have always tried to neuter them, you realize why socialist seconomic systems are always doomed to failure.

These men created thousands of jobs by pursuing their own personalized self interests. It's right out of Adam Smith's "the wealth of nations." This is an inspiring read, one all would be entrepreneurs should familiarize themselves with.

I grew up in Michigan, but had little idea of these ripping good tales. If you liked this book, try also the delightful "Eighty Acres."

I am a law student in the university of Plymouth and i would like you to send me some information that this book contains, concerning the subject of the separation of powers. Your advice will be of great help. Thank you.

First, to the reviewer looking for the doctrine of separation of powers: you'll find it in Montequieu's "Spirit of the Laws". Also check out "The Federalist", number 51.

Now then, Bagehot, like Madison, describes the operation of a modern liberal regime. The trick for founders of liberal government is to produce a government that permits the people civil liberties, but does not permit the people to abuse those liberties, or in the words of Madison, to create a government that is "democratic yet decent". Madison and the American Founders accomplish this end by so constructing the institutions of government that mens' selfish natures will be turned against each other ("ambition is made to check ambition"), rather than united in tyrannical concert.

Bagehot too describes the operation of a system of government that rules by the consent of the governed, yet which does so by restraining the vices of those who ought not to rule. Bagehot argues that the English government is moderate and decent because of a division of government into the "dignified" and the "efficient" parts, and a "noble lie" about the relationship between the two. It is this noble lie that permits the government to operate without the interference of those who would turn it away from the public good. But to discover the noble lie, you'll have to read Bagehot.

Warner Winborne

Professor of Political Science

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA

This book stimulates the little gray cells. Every time I watch Prime Minister's Questions, the superiority of the Cabinet system over the Presidential system is painfully obvious. If Bush were subjected to the kind of scrutiny, in Congress, that Blair is subjected to every week in Parliament, he would have been exposed as an impostor long before supreme executive authority was placed in his hands. Refering to our Civil War, Bagehot wrote: "The notion of employing a man of unknown smallness at a crisis of unknown greatness is to our minds simply ludicrous. Mr. Lincoln, it is true, happened to be a man of... eminent justness... But success in a lottery is no argument for lotteries."

Well, we used up all of our good fortune in the 1860s. We've come up craps in this millenium.

If this is the unaltered version of the book of the same name and same author that I read about 30 years ago, it is a classic. It describes how the classic English Constitution worked, before Britain joined the European Union. Especially it explained how it worked without being written down, largely by constitutional convention which was morally binding but (quite often) not legally binding.

Walter Bagehot was a journalist and a social and political thinker of the middle Victorian period (1850s and 1860s). His classical work "The English Constitution" comes as a collection of polemical assays upon the structure of the British political system. Cabinet, monarchy, Houses of Commons and Lords, execution of political power, and the foundation of the systems of checks and balances are explored in the book.

Throughout the book a comparison and contrast of Cabinet system and the Presidential system (a.k.a USA) is a constant theme. Bagehot does not hide it preference for the Cabinet system, which in his view is a both more dynamic and more effective. One of his main points is that direct popular election is a myth, since most of the electorate are ignorant of the nature of the political power (and moreover are forced to this ignorance by the effective uselessness of the legislative debate in the USA as opposed to the UK). Moreover, a result of the direct election is a static Presidential term of 4 years, which allows the executive branch to execute almost unchecked control of the political process. According to Bagehot, the indirect electoral system of the Commons, where people vote for the MPs and they then select the PM amongst themselves produces a more effective government, which is more responsive to the popular will since it can fall at any time due to policy disputes. A hidden secret of British success according to Bagehot is a fusion of legislative and executive powers in the Cabinet system. In the latter chapters, Bagehot exposures two forms of power - the dignified power (in the person of the monarch and the lords) and the effective power as exemplified by the Cabinet. Dignified power serves as a façade of legitimacy under which the dynamic and opportunist real effective power can subsist. He follows through to explain how each of the minister of the government exercises its power for the common goal, what are the legal powers of the monarchy and how it is exercised indirectly via control of the composition of the peerage and the power to dissolve the Commons.

Bagehot's style is clear, flavorful, his knowledge of political process is profound (with a qualification of more so of British then American), his research is well done, and he is a master of dramatic tricks to keep the reader interested. I would recommend the book as both a scholarly reference, and a well presented popular case.

The author brings you into the personal lives of his characters as he develops a fast paced socially enlightening legal thriller. The novel's action is accurately showcased in Southeastern Michigan. You not only get to know the characters, but if you live in Michigan you recognize the familiar landmarks. If you aren't from Michigan, you learn about the Motor City and its suburbs as well as understanding the politics of the area. This story has an important message. Hate, redemption, intolerance, nobleness, and prejudice are dealt with in enlightened terms.

"The Farewell Principle" by Steven Weiss is a fast-paced story that incorporates legal and personal challenges of a Michigan attorney, Maurice "Mo" Robinson. Mo is forced to face his own personal prejudices and loyalties when he encounters a white supremacist group.Mo grapples with real-life situations that makes one question one's own values and beliefs. This page-turner is especially satisfying to people familiar with Detroit since many Detroit streets and buildings are mentioned.(a la Elmore Leonard}.Steve Weiss, a first-time novelist, has successfully written a realistic compelling story that I would highly recommend.

This is an outstanding first time effort in fiction concerning problems of our time in urban center. Revolves around a racial murder resulting in trial drama with former prosecutor defending a life long friend. The characters are well defined. An additional twist depicts member of the cloth attempting to reform a racial bigot by logic and friendship. Good yarn!

Reads like Grisham, but makes you think. as well. You'll love the realistic characters in this page turner. Once you get going, save time to finish, because you won't be able to put it down.

I like a book that gets your heart pumping and your mind racing. This one does 'em both. After you read this book, you'll realize what the power of the pen is all about. I recommend this highly.

I am a biologist that has been working in the Galapagos as a Naturalist leading tours there for the last 6 years. Michael Jackson's book is the "Bible" for the beginning naturalist and certainly more than adequate for the casual "ecotourist". Jackson covers all major aspects of the history, geology, ecology, and biology of the islands. In the "biology" section, he gives a clear, concise, but thorough group-by-group treatment of all major taxa including plants, reptiles, land and sea birds, mammals, and a brief section covering marine life. While there are other guidebooks available, none come close to the accuracy, clarity of presentation, and logical format of this book. Of particular usefulness are the many photos, tables, and graphs which provide a visual representation of many of the topics discussed and a synthesis of large amounts of data.

My wife and I bought Jackson's book in preparation for a trip to the Galapagos. The book served us well; when we arrived at the islands we felt that we were almost on a first-name basis with all the fantastic creatures and plants that make the Galapagos such a fascinating place. The book is considerably more than just a field guide; it includes information on the islands' history, their environmental and ecological setting, and the conservation efforts being made to preserve this truly unique place. And, as the title indicates, the book provides a lot of natural history, not just a brief summary of bare facts about each animal or plant. Not only is it a fine guide, it is a most enjoyable read.

Every naturalist guide in the Galapagos has this book. They also sell this book at the Charles Darwin Center in Santa Cruz, and it is a must read. It explains how the islands came about and what makes them so unique. I highly recommend this book!

I just recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, and the book that guided me throughout my journey was this book by M.H. Jackson. Very easy to find the animal you are looking, and also helps to discover more creatures to look for. Helped explain things further from what the guides had said. Also helped me in answering many people's questions about different creatures. A Great book! A must for all travelers to the galapagos in search of unique wildlife.

I would imagine that most visitors to the Galapaos are not naturalists. For those without a strong background in natural sciences, I would highly recommend this book. The book is easy and fun to read, detailed without being tedious. The photos are amazing and the author's passion for the islands is evident. If you only have time to read one book, this is one I would advise a Galapagos visitor to read in advance of their trip.

I gave this book to my Father-in-law (a long time Red Wing fan) for a Father's Day gift. It was great timing since the Wings clinched the Stanley Cup just weeks before! He loved it, reading it in only two days! He mentioned how interesting it was for weeks!

Before I gave it to him, I'll admit I glaced through some of the pages. It was an interesting concept-having the different players talk about their teammates. All the comments about one player were put into a chapter. So you had three or four pages of stories and anecdotes about one player all grouped together.

You also heard stories about their private lives and some behind the scenes moments of one of the greatest eras in hockey!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a long time hockey fan!

THE GODS OF OLYMPIA STADIUM IS A MUST READ FOR ALL NOSTALGIA AND LOVERS OF OLD RED WING HOCKEY. THERE ARE MANY GREAT PHOTOS AND SOME GREAT INTERVIEWS WITH RED WING LEGENDS TED LINDSAY AND GORDIE HOWE (GREAT THOU ART). THE INTERVIEWS ARE DETAILED, HONEST AND ENLIGHTENING. I HAVE READ MANY BOOKS ABOUT THE RED WINGS AND THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST. THE FRONT AND BACK COVER HAVE EXCELLENT AND NOSTALGIC PHOTOS OF MANY OF THESE GREAT PLAYERS FROM YEARS AGO. I AM GOING TO USE THIS BOOK AS A DECORATION BECAUSE I LOVE THE COVER SOME MUCH. WELL WORTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

The Book is wonderful and a great read--finished it off in one night--left me awestruck and wondering when the next one will be available.

The cover is fantastic! Looking at it kind of makes you feel like you've been checked by Gordie Howe himself. That is if being checked by Gordie were a good thing! This is one book you can tell by its cover! Of course what's most impressive is on the inside.
Shakespeare wrote in one the sonnets "so long as eyes can see, so long lives this. And this gives life to thee." Richard Kincaide has done his part to keep the legacy of these great gentlemen of hockey alive to inspire and entertain for, well, forever now. The rest is up to the fans. This book should be on the shelf of anyone who loves sports.

Meet the greatest hockey players of all time. Rich Kincaide has caught the excitement, spirit, frenzy, and love for the game in these interviews of players on some of the best teams in the history of the Detroit Red Wings.

He may be interviewing men who played the game 50 years ago but you don't feel like you're reading history-- you are right there and enjoying the conversation with him.

Rich Kincaide's "The Gods of Olympia Stadium" is a great book for anyone with a passing interest in hockey and a must have for those who love it. Everyone: This book is a great holiday gift idea for the sports fan in your life!

Excellent! Well defined, well written, and precise in the accounts of A. M. Keeler during the American Civil War, pre, during and post the war. The Allen's put heart and soul into this book, and is simply a must read for any and all Civil War historians. We all read, we all study, and we all try to remember, but without a good story-line we forget, this book makes the imprint, and the feel for what took place at the time. The book compliments the historical regiment known as the Michigan 22nd. Douglas M. Casamer, Author "The Michigan 22nd Infantry and the Men Who Served".

I have never been a student of American history and have regretted that fact many times. Reading this greatly researched and well written book was just wonderful for someone like me. I have loved reading every detail of Keeler's confinement.There were a lot of facts that surprised me such as his family and friends sending him money, food and other items. It must have been extremely difficult for them to accomplish that in those times.
I graduated from Armada Agricultural High School and was so surprised to find out that he taught there after his service. It was exciting to read names and places that are familiar to me having grown up in Macomb County.
Write another book,Bob and Cheryl!!

An easy read, this day by day account of the life of Captain Alonzo M. Keeler, a "Guest" of the Confederacy, paints a vivid picture of a Michigan soldier's experiences in a Confederate prison camp.
William & Muriel Beltz, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable

Any serious study of a battle or regiment is enhanced when the conditions the troops fought under can be included. Because so much time was spent in camp as compared to actual time spent in battle, to understand how the weather, terrain and health of the soldiers contributed to the outcome, adds depth and texture to the strategies of military maneuvers. Bob and Cherie Allen have brought together Captain Alonzo Keeler's diary, letters and speeches to the GAR to provide us with just such a look into the daily life of a 22nd Michigan Union Officer. Captain Keeler's own words illustrated the highs and lows of his confinement in Libby prison and, after the war, his return to civilian life. His depth of feeling and dedication to his regiment never wavered. This book is a great companion piece to anyone studying battles involving the 22nd Michigan.
-Bill Grandstaff, Facilitator, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable

Very well written. The investigation and detail show the author's extensive knowledge of the Civil War. The many original diary entries show this book's authenticity and helps you to empathize with the emotions of Keeler as well as the many trials that the soldiers faced on a daily basis.

Great for the history buff who wants factual details about the Civil War.

Didn't refer to the book a whole lot, but what we did try was successful. Information was timely and our experience was better for it.

I will say without a doubt that if you are looking to do anything off the beaten path in the UP (which is most things), then this book is absolutely crucial. There are hikes for all levels of hiking experience, each with a bit of background information and spot-on directions. The hikes are all personally recommended by the author and not just a re-hash of what you read in the Hunt's Guide or some other lesser peer (if I may use an oxymoron). A complete guide to hiking the UP would take a series of books this size, but fortunately for us Eric Hansen has done all the walking himself to find the fifty that cannot be missed. I live in the UP and I had frequented many of the places in this book before it came out, yet I still was never left without some fresh knowledge regarding each and every hike. Buy this and begin walking!

I used Eric's book Memorial Day weekend 2007 to plan a series of day hikes in the U.P. The hikes he chose to highlight are indeed spectacular. The trail descriptions are helpful and accurate, to the point where I took one of the Norwich Bluff alternative routes and found the suggested, little traveled side trail with no problems. I also used this book for some route planning in the Porkies a year or so ago. Thanks for the great guide!

I met Eric randomnly while on a camping trip with some friends. We came upon him while he was fishing and he just struck right up about hiking and camping and ended up giving us a suggestion for finishing up our day in the area, casually mentioning later on that he had written a guide about hiking the UP. A girl and I took him up on the idea and it was easily one of the most magical things I have ever done. Don't know as if it's in the book or not, but as it turned out my mom had bought it that same day by coincidence. Just wanted to say thanks to Eric (and I'm going on the other trip too) and tell all you people out there that he really knows what he's talking about!!!

This is the book I've been waiting for ever since I saw Eric's article and photos on the undiscovered Trap Hills in the Western U.P. in an outdoors magazine. Eric, who lives in Milwaukee, combines the been-there trail notes with the perspective of someone widely familiar with what the Upper Great Lakes has to offer hikers.

The actual book chapters I read completely lived up to my expectations. Now, alas, I've mislaid my copy and must write my review from memory. My husband and I do a very wide-ranging guide to U.P. points of interest and history - www.hunts-upguide.com. We are always looking for good books that do certain subjects on a deeper level. Thank you, Eric, for taking the time to explore our beautiful, out-of-the-way corner of the world.

Exciting and well-written! A must-read for any fan of Bigfoot lore.

For those that want to complete their Bigfoot fiction library, pick this book up.

'Nuf said.

Sincerely,
Loren Coleman, Author
Bigfoot! The True Story of Apes in America

While recently lecturing for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Mufon (the Mutual UFO Network), I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Shiel, the author of a new book titled "The Hunt For Bigfoot."
According to the blurb for the book, "Lisa A. Shiel turned a long-time interest in alternative history and archaeology (especially Egyptology) into gripping fiction based on her own unique interpretation of events that have fueled curiosity worldwide."

With a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas to her credit, Lisa has written what is without doubt (in my own opinion) a lively, exciting and gripping piece of fiction based around the Bigfoot mystery - and a number of other mysteries, too!

The book focuses primarily upon Katy Gallagher, a website designer and would-be anthropologist, and historian Charlie Bergren, who scour the planet for proof that current evolutionary theories are flawed.

Their quest turns dangerous when Katy is threatened and Charlie vanishes. Katy joins forces with Charlie's son, amateur Egyptologist Rick Bergren, to find the missing Charlie.

Plunging into the depths of Michigan's north woods, they tumble into a double-edged mystery - a hidden Bigfoot society protected by an ancient race with highly advanced technology who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets, and a mysterious billionaire willing, for his own reasons, to kill to preserve the Bigfoot legend.

To stay alive, Katy and Rick must unravel an enigma half a billion years in the weaving. They must find the creature science says cannot exist.

If you are even remotely interested in cryptozoology, ancient cosmic visitors, the legends of Atlantis, human evolution and more, then grab a copy of "The Hunt For Bigfoot" by Lisa Shiel as soon as possible.

Book one in the "Human Origins" series, it is soon to be followed by its sequel: "Lord Of The Dead."

For further details of "The Hunt For Bigfoot," contact: www.SlipdownMountain.com

One of the few new books which i really enjoyed. I have an interest in adventure stories, that coupled with my interest in alternatives to main stream science, found a really exciting and deep story line that held my interest until the end. This is a book of 400 pages, and read it cover to cover in just 4 days. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes thought provoking mysteries. It was a fun reading, and I look forward to her next book.

This book is interesting and FUN, FUN, FUN! A wonderful tale of northern Michigan's backwoods. I would recommend this book to anyone young or old. It is a delightful read and exciting right up to the last page.

As vice president for plant operations at a medium scale manufacturing plant in Saint Louis I have searched for an approach to improve the plant's productivity for many years. "It's Not Magic" has given me the tools to approach my problems differently. I have found the book's methods of management applicable to my manufacturing plant. Although I have only been able to test them out on a small scale, I look forward to being able to implement them plant wide. Kudos to Klein and Zawacki for hitting the nail on the head !

The book follows a small company as it starts down the road of modern management. The book is a fast read, and is similar to The Goal in style. In it the problems faced and the resources available reflect the real world of small to mid-size manufacturing. The key benefit to the reader is the blending of academic theory with shop floor reality. I enjoyed the book and learned some new ideas from it. More importantly, it also showed how to start putting those ideas into action.

"It's not Magic" is a must read for anyone involved in constantly seeking improvement. The efficient mix of production techniques and management philosophy is needed to be successful in an increasingly competitive workplace. As anyone who has ever been on or around a production line knows the ultimate goal has to be seeking better methods to complete the work. It's very refreshing to see a real life example of how production and philosophy can work so well together. I look forward to the next publication by Klein and Zawacki.

It is refreshing to hear from a professor who has his feet on the ground. The easy stile of writing is very appealable, and the dialog flows easily while devulging the enjoyable relationship of owner, supervisors, line employees and Keen, the professor/consultant. All participate together in the rebirth of a small manufacturing company. All this takes place while decades'old organizational certainties meet with, blend, and in some cases are replaced by new discoveries. The author demonstrates that "salesmanship" is a key ingredient in effecting in-house change. A must read for anyone seeking to improve the bottom line. -- Rodger Faherty

It's Not Magic should be read by everyone involved in organizational change and improvement. It examines not only the need to change systems and structures but recognizes that success also requires the ability to bring about change in the organization's culture and way of thinking. In an easy to read and interesting format, Klein and Zawacki focus on a few fundamental concepts and illustrate how they actually applied these throughout an organization. The insights gained from their experiences are invaluable. Reading this book will motivate you to modify your outlook and organizational systems in order to transform your company into a world-class organization.

Those readers looking for both a thorough history of Jerusalem will also get an informative review of the political and religious aspects of the Near East. Many endnotes and a very useful bibliography.

My God indeed!
What a time line story!!! It is without equal, and tells us just where this present day middle east crises is going.
Pulling out the stops here, i want to say this book should be required reading for all people from all cultures.
I have just finished my third reading and keep it next to my reading chair like a Bible.
Only problem; none.

Eric Cline has written a vast range of books and articles for both specialized publications and general audiences. His latest book, "Jerusalem Besieged", is written in the same vein as his previous book "Battles of Armageddon" and yet in many ways this new book must have been difficult to write. While Megiddo is in ruins, Jerusalem is still the religious center of three major world faiths and is held sacred by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is almost impossible to write a book on Jerusalem without offending someone, but Cline has managed to write one of the most tactful books possible. Nowhere does he slide into polemic, nor has he made any religious claims in lieu of evidence. He has tried his best to write an even-handed account of Jerusalem's military past. He has spent a great deal of time in that city and his love of the subject comes through loud and clear. He writes as an archaeologist not as a political commentator, and yet there is much journalistic material he has read and incorporated into the text. Cline writes in beautifully lucid prose. General readers will find the material accessible and yet Cline's research is available in the footnotes and the extensive bibliography. Readers are given a framework within which to think about the repercussions of several millenia of strife in Jerusalem. Cline documents 118 separate conflicts during which Jerusalem has been destroyed completely twice, besieged 23 times and attacked an additional 52 times. It has been captured and re-captured 44 times and this does not even include the 20 revolts and innumerable riots. Cline manages to cover them in less than 500 pages while covering each incident, and giving judicious opinions in places where controversy occurs. This is a must purchase for military historians and general readers alike.

This was a very informative book, well researched and most importantly it was easy to read without falling asleep. Highly recommended.

This is a book that really needed to be written.

When I lived briefly in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, I was told that in ancient times, Tabuk had been known as "the most evil place in the world." Frankly at the time, I doubted that any geographical locality could have a karma of its own. After reading Eric H. Cline's book, Jerusalem Besieged, I think I'm going to have to reconsider the issue.

What I found most intriguing about the author's discussion was his concept of the origin of the site's importance. Most archaeologists tend to point to the advantage of a location as the inspiration for settlement and development in the area. Often things like access to a sheltered harbor, a fishing resource, mineral wealth such as flint, obsidian, ceramic clay, iron, gold or silver, or water availability and so on are reasons that a city grows and flourishes through time. As one realtor has said, "there are three things to remember in selecting real estate: location, location, location."

Jerusalem however seems to defy that premise. According to the author, it is neither exceptional for its geologic nor for its geographic gifts. The agricultural value of the surrounding land is marginal, water supply is iffy, there are no large stands of timber to be harvested and few if any valuable mineral riches to be mined. Geographically it seems to have been an isolated site, in the back of beyond. It lies well inland of the coast and is not the hub of intersecting trade routes. In fact, although it is mentioned in the Egyptian Armarna texts, it seems to have held little political value until David took it forcibly from the Jebusites, its previous owners, and made it the center of his new monarchy. It would appear that even he chose the site primarily because it had not been a power base for any of his own people. Its foreign citizenry owed no one but him any loyalty, so it would not entangle him in the petty internal feuds that seemed to be the bane of the Israelite political world. Yet over the past 3000 years, more blood has been shed over the city of Jerusalem than practically any other site on earth.

So what makes this rock in the middle of nowhere such a magnet for passion and violence? Why does the City of Peace seem to drive sensible people crazy? According to Professor Cline it would appear to be the city's emotional wealth. So many have made Jerusalem the center of spiritual and emotional importance that the site is invested with staggering human significance. That investment in Jerusalem over the past 3000 years almost ensures continuous strife over its possession. No one seems immune to the insanity either. People from as distant as the Far East have taken a part in the madness. Everyone from the Romans to the British and the US have entered the melee. Embarrassingly-for a nominal Christian at least-the worst of the violence seems to have been perpetrated by the Crusaders.

Almost all of the illustrations of the city in the book are from its outside and from a fair distance. I think the artist had a good idea. Personally by the end of the book I felt that everyone should be forbidden to live on the site for their own good; it's far too dangerous. It should be walled off for the health of the world, and the faithful and the curious can look at it through the fence from a safe distance. Having read the author's book The Battles of Armageddon, I would have to say that if the end of days does occur, it won't be at Megiddo; it'll be at Jerusalem!

As I said above, this is a book that really needed to be written. It's not that there is anything particularly new in it; it's just that it's all particularly focused. I think that it should be required reading for all politicians, both regional and national, and certainly for any of those involved in attempts to bring about peace in the area. For the general reader it will make the issues in the Middle East far clearer and reveal why a lasting peace in the area is unlikely to occur any time soon. It will also make the Arab countries' horror over the US activities in the region more understandable. Certainly the author's final statement, quoting O'Neill, is vividly evocative of the entire message of the book, "For now, however, in Jerusalem, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, `There is no present or future-only the past, happening over and over again...(p. 310).'"