Review
Title: The Oxford Illustrated History of the Holy Land
Edited by Robert G. Hoyland and H. G. M. Williamson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2018
Number of pages: 416
Binding: Hardback
ISBN: 978-0-19-872439-1
Price: $39.95
Reviewed by Dale E. Luffman for the Association of Mormon Letters
This is a remarkably elegant book, with its physical elegance matched by a corresponding elegance of content provided by noted and highly respected contemporary scholars in the archaeology and history of the biblical period of the Holy Land. It is a volume superbly edited and illustrated under the supervision of its esteemed editors.
The 416 page text spans a period of over 3,000 years and represents the rise of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and their mutual development in the Holy Land. With sensitive balance this modern scholarship guides the reader through the familiar and not so familiar sacred texts and history, beginning with the origins of the peoples of the land. Contemporary research from archaeology and other ancient sources fund the presentation of the material. Complemented by exquisite photographs, maps, and charts the reader is enabled to appreciate the wonder and diversity expressed through the representation of the peoples of the Holy Land. Throughout the volume great sensitivity and respect is given to the sacred books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The table of contents actually provides a helpful guide to the text. Beginning with the birth of Israel, the table of contents guides the reader with an outline of the content “at a glance.” The balance is remarkable with appropriate representation of the rise of each faith tradition as well as the presentation of the Holy Land in the Crusader and Ayyubid periods, the Ottoman Empire, the time of Napoleon, and more contemporary eras. Consideration given to pilgrimage, sacred and holy places, and Scripture round out the volume. The reader will find that it becomes very difficult to put the volume down. The text captivates as it invites the reader into the evolving history and archaeology of the Holy Land.
Complementing the well-written scholarly informed texts are not only maps that give clarity to the narrative throughout, but splendid photography and representational art depicting various archaeological and historical eras. These are well chosen and offer balance within the volume itself.
As a reader/reviewer, I am interested in the sources that inform the narrative of a volume such as this. The section denoted as “Further Reading” is an adventure in itself. A review of the twelve pages of reference reveal that the best scholarly sources have contributed to the material covered in this volume by its various authors. Complemented by a well developed index the volume is designed to be extremely user friendly.
Latter-day Saints could find this volume to be very helpful, contributing to a better understanding regarding not only the Holy Land but the development of the religious and secular traditions that have influenced and contributed to the land and the religious traditions that have prominence in that area. Particularly fascinating to many could be the narrative chronicling the Babylonian Exile and Restoration, the Hellenistic and Roman Era, the Coming of Islam, the period of the Crusades, secular developments, as well as the wonderful consideration of sacred spaces, Scripture, and holy places.
Students and readers alike will find this book to be an important addition to their libraries.