The Source Book Summary

In 'The Source,' James A. Michener takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of humanity, set in the sacred lands of Israel. Through an archaeological dig, a diverse cast of characters from different eras unveils the incredible tapestry of civilizations that have thrived there. Each layer of history reveals profound insights about faith, culture, and the human condition. Readers will be drawn into a vivid narrative that weaves together myths, legends, and historical events. This epic tale challenges our understanding of identity and legacy, inviting us to ponder what it truly means to belong.

By James A. Michener

Published: 2002

"The past is never dead; it's not even past."

Book Review of The Source

In his signature style of grand storytelling, James A. Michener transports us back thousands of years to the Holy Land. Through the discoveries of modern archaeologists excavating the site of Tell Makor, Michener vividly re-creates life in an ancient city and traces the profound history of the Jewish people—from the persecution of the early Hebrews, the rise of Christianity, and the Crusades to the founding of Israel and the modern conflict in the Middle East. An epic tale of love, strength, and faith, The Source is a richly written saga that encompasses the history of Western civilization and the great religious and cultural ideas that have shaped our world. Praise for The Source “Fascinating . . . stunning . . . [a] wonderful rampage through history . . . Biblical history, as seen through the eyes of a professor who is puzzled, appalled, delighted, enriched and impoverished by the spectacle of a land where all men are archeologists.”—The New York Times “A sweeping [novel] filled with excitement—pagan ritual, the clash of armies, ancient and modern: the evolving drama of man’s faith.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer “Magnificent . . . a superlative piece of writing both in scope and technique . . . one of the great books of this generation.”—San Francisco Call Bulletin

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The past is never dead; it's not even past.

The Source

By James A. Michener