In this provocative work; seasoned journalist Gershom Gorenberg portrays a deadly mix of religious extremism; violence; and Mideast politics; as expressed in the struggle for the sacred center of Jerusalem. Known to Jews and Christians as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary; this thirty-five-acre enclosure at the southeast corner of Jerusalem's Old City is the most contested piece of real estate on earth. Here nationalism combines with fundamentalist faith in a volatile brew. Members of the world's three major monotheistic faiths--Judaism; Christianity; and Islam--hold this spot to be the key to salvation as they await the end of the world; and struggle to fulfill conflicting religious prophecies with dangerous political consequences. Adroitly portraying American radio evangelists of the End; radical Palestinian sheikhs; and Israeli ex-terrorists; Gorenberg explains why believers hope for the End; and why prominent American fundamentalists provide hard-line support for Israel while looking forward to the apocalypse. He makes sense of the messianic fervor that has driven some Israeli settlers to oppose peace. And he describes the Islamic apocalyptic visions that cast Israel's actions in Jerusalem as diabolic plots. The End of Days shows how conflict over Jerusalem and the fiery belief in apocalypse continue to have a potent impact on world politics and why a lasting peace in the Middle East continues to prove elusive.
#175600 in Books Roger G Kennedy 2000-09-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x 1.40 x 8.80l; 1.60 #File Name: 0195140559528 pagesBurr Hamilton and Jefferson A Study in Character
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. If You Want History Without Halos---This Is It!By James L. SrodesUnlike the current flood of Founding Father hagiography; Roger Kennedy's look at the fractious ties between Jefferson; Hamilton; and Burr gives you the sense of these characters as their contemporaries knew them. Kennedy writes the way your favorite college professor lectured---with humor and a profound grasp of how motrals act in the political trenches. His insights into the early struggle over slavery at that early stage in our history is worth the price of admission alone. Kennedy offers clearly stated conclusions on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. But the reader comes away with confidence that those opinions are come by after lengthy research and throught. If you have a friend who is addicted to early American history; this is the gift.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A little bit of a let downBy Scott OliphantI wanted to like this book. I really did. I am fascinated with the dynamic between these 3 polarizing figures; Burr; Jefferson; and Hamilton and this book has a ton of worthwhile information laced throughout its pages. I appreciate any author that gives an even-handed view of Colonel Burr which is often difficult to find and Kennedy achieved this. However; I was often left frustrated with the author's style and overall execution of the book. The prose is often rambling and seemingly without structure and a couple misstatements as pointed out by other reviewers. About two thirds of the way through the book I found myself skimming pages to filter out some of the areas I found of lesser importance; something I rarely do. I feel like if it was 150 pages shorter and tied together a little better it would have been a more effective book. In the end; despite its faults; it really is a worthwhile read for anyone who has an interest in these three great men. Just know it might try your patience from time to time.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If You Want History Without Halos---This Is It!By James L. SrodesUnlike the current flood of Founding Father hagiography; Roger Kennedy's look at the fractious ties between Jefferson; Hamilton; and Burr gives you the sense of these characters as their contemporaries knew them. Kennedy writes the way your favorite college professor lectured---with humor and a profound grasp of how mortals act in the political trenches. His insights into the early struggle over slavery at that stage in our history is worth the price of admission alone. Kennedy offers clearly stated conclusions on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. But the reader comes away with confidence that those opinions are come by after lengthy research and thought. If you have a friend who is addicted to early American history; this is the gift.
