Introduces a radical new perspective on the historical foundations of monotheism; based on the enigma of the Copper Scroll of the Essenes. • Confirms the link between ancient Judaism and the pharoah Akhenaten. • Decodes the system of measurements encrypted on the Copper Scroll that has confounded scholars for over 50 years; leading to the identification of fabulous lost treasures.• Points to a radical new understanding of the origins of monotheism. The famous Dead Sea Scrolls comprise the oldest collection of Biblical documents ever discovered. Of the Dead Sea Scrolls; none has baffled experts more than the 2;000-year-old Copper Scroll; discovered in 1952 by a team of Bedouin led by Henri de Contenson of the Ecole Biblique in East Jerusalem. Appearing to be a list of buried treasure engraved on copper pieces; the Copper Scroll is considered to be the work of a secretive Jewish sect of devout Essenes; who lived by the Dead Sea around the time of Jesus. No one has been able to explain its meaning or discover any of the 64 locations where the Biblical treasures it lists were buried. Robert Feather; combining his background as a metallurgist with his journalistic expertise; has unraveled the enigma of the Copper Scroll in a fascinating study that takes the reader on a journey from ancient Mesopotamia; through Canaan; into Egypt; and back to the shores of the Dead Sea. His exploration links the scroll to the ancient Egyptian king Akhenaten; confirming a long suspected influence of this pharaoh's religious beliefs on those of the Hebrews. The author's findings not only reveal the locations of most of the treasures listed on the Copper Scroll; but they also point to a radical new understanding of the origins of monotheism--the basis of the three great religions of Judaism; Islam; and Christianity.
#1468931 in Books Naval Institute Press 2008-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.00 x 2.00l; 2.28 #File Name: 1591143241750 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. No simple wartime diary - this is a treasureBy WALTER MELTONAdmiral Ugaki's diary - and this book - are treasures. His faithfully kept record of his experiences and thoughts during the war years are well characterized by each of 's reviewers (all accurate and very helpful). Despite the occasional errors others have described; the editors here have produced a monumental work adding greatly to an understanding of the Admiral; his diary; and the conduct of the Pacific war. One particularly valuable insight from the diary is the Admiral's recognition over time of the fundamental defect in the Japanese naval strategy which until the very end sought that one decisive battle with which to win or end the war. Admiral Ugaki cites the failure of the Japanese leadership to perceive that while Japan was waiting for an opportunity to force that decisive battle; American forces were defeating the Imperial Navy in detail and thus through attrition winning one smaller decisive battle after another. Left without alternatives; only the Kamikaze campaign offered any hope at all for victory. Early in 1945; Ugaki was appointed to command of the Navy's Fifth Air Fleet. The hopelessness of the situation ultimately led to the massive Kamikaze strikes which he commanded off Okinawa; and even to the Admiral's sacrifice of his own life after receiving word of the surrender. I wish I had read this book years ago.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. YAMATO DOMASHIBy Joseph R. Calamia"Fading Victory" The Diary of Admiral Matome Ugaki (1941-1945) is a massive volume of daily diary entries by Admiral Ugaki during the Pacific War from 1941 through 1945.I have not yet actually finished this huge volume; but it is a masterpiece of historical information as seen "from the other side." There are naturally; some inaccuracies but; we must remember; Admiral Ugaki was writing from the information available at the time; and intertwined with his own perspectives and ideals as well. In addition; the authors have graciously added updated information where available.The two personal events that were the most interesting to me were: (1). The Admiral's recollection of April 18; 1943 when his plane; along with Admiral Yamamoto's was shot down by American P-38 fighters.(2). Admiral Ugaki's reaction to Japan's surrender and the actions he took shortly there after. He basically flew off into oblivion and "honorable death" ...the only end befitting to a true Samurai such as himself.In addition to the very fine writings and ideals put forth on paper during these years of turbulence; the book also has some superb photographs worthy of scrutiny. The cover photo of the book is a magnificent photo of the Admiral depicting not only his right hand injury after his recovery; but it exudes the pride; arrogance; wisdom; intelligence; and determination that this man carried with him. Like so many of these Japanese Admirals; Ugaki epitomizes the times; culture; and ultra nationalistic fervor that enveloped Japan and the Asian campaign.As they say: "Pride goeth before the fall." The reader will see this plainly as he/she reads the progressive entries. In the end; Admiral Ugaki stripped off his uniform rank; discarded his identity; and embraced his fate. His war ended; his purpose evaporated in the smoldering ruins of the empire; and like the great Imperial Japanese Navy; he became history.This work not only covers battles lost and won; it is the actual collection of a man's thoughts; ideals; and spiritual essence that lived at a time many of us... can only pretend to understand.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating diary of one of Japan's major miitary leaders.By Robert R. PutnamThis senior admiral's diary provided a rare inside look into the psyche and culture of one of America's WW II adversaries. Ugaki was a major player from the pre war planning of Pearl Harbor; to the day of surrender; when he took off on a final Kamakaze flight. Through the many daily postings; readers gain a feel for the personal side of the man -- who was sometimes moved to write a few gentle lines of poetry to desribe such natural beauties as a song bird's soft twitters. At the same time; the sincere expressions in the writing starkly expose the growing lunacy of continuing the dying Empire's struggle against the clearly overwelming strength of the U.S. The writings of this intelligent; highly placed officer -- who; to the very end; extolled fighting on virtually forever to gain "revenge" against the Americans -- clearly reflect the irrational mindset of the Japanese. The author's attitudes affirm; sadly; that the use of the atomic bomb probably spared more lives than it cost.
