The fate of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel has fascinated Jews and Christians throughout the ages. Hillel Halkin; a distinguished writer and translator; has long been intrigued by the old legend that the tribes still exist in distant corners of the earth -- a legend that; like nearly all contemporary investigators of the subject; he considered to lack all factual basis. In 1998; he accompanied a Jerusalem rabbi and dedicated Lost Tribes hunter to China; Thailand; and northeast India in search of traces of the biblical Israelites who disappeared in the eighth century B.C.E. The journey ended among a little-known ethnic group living along the India-Burma border who had themselves been swept in recent years by Lost Tribe fever. Halkin returned twice more to the Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur for a deeper look. Gradually; despite his initial skepticism; he became convinced that this remote group is -- incredible as it may seem -- historically linked to the ancient biblical tribe of Manasseh.Across the Sabbath River is the compulsively readable account of Halkin's experiences in arriving at this conviction. A superb writer; he effortlessly interweaves the biblical and historical backgrounds of this centuries-old quest with a captivating account; both funny and poignant; of his own adventures. In vivid; engaging portraits; he introduces us to a wide and memorable range of characters at once alien and familiar; while transporting us to an exotic society obsessed with the enigma of its own identity. Piece by piece; as in a tantalizing detective story; he amasses the evidence that finally persuades him; and will persuade many of his readers; that; for the first time in history; a living remnant of a lost biblical tribe has been found.
#9529 in Books Broadway Books 2005-03-22 2005-03-22Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .70 x 5.17l; .57 #File Name: 0609809644312 pagesGreat product!
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Good light shown on a complex historyBy CustomerGood read if you have interest in the subject matter. Some have graded book down because of the historic analogies by non-historian not being right on; but I blame this on common Editorial demands to get authors out of their box.I enjoyed the contrasts of Chaucer; Islamic and Chinese documentation with long held public opinions of Genghis Khan quite interesting. While Weatherford may put him in a kinder gentler light than seems possible; the Mongolian demographics relative to his opponents offered Mongolians few choice for dealing with the largest ever empire.Intriguing how his upbringing and perhaps own early insecurities lead this uneducated leader to extreme accomplishments as well as documented wisdoms including the extreme benefits of building a government of laws rather than royalty. His genius cannot be underestimated.Strongly recommend this reading to compare and contrast the great impact he had on our history relative to todays world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. but I want to say it pulled punches in terms of describing exactly how horrible a man Ghenghis Khan wasBy Nico MonettiDefinitely interesting and hats off to all the research necessary to put a story this vast into a narrative; but I want to say it pulled punches in terms of describing exactly how horrible a man Ghenghis Khan was. Perhaps guilty of what Dan Carlin refers to as "historical revisionism;" in his podcast HARDCORE HISTORY; which I can't recommend highly enough.Been forever since I read it and I was young when I picked it up so don't want to talk it down but I can't say I found it to be a captivating read. Very difficult task... to make history exciting and thorough at the same time. Recommend listening to that podcast (it's free) then buying this book if you want a more measured look at the whole story.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Addictive to read history of the Mongol EmpireBy A. MenonI finally got around to reading Genghis Kan and the Making of the Modern World after several years of having it on the shelf. I am glad i did. My memory of the Mongol Empire and its origin and impact on the world was scattered at best. In a highly readable few hundred pages I feel thoroughly re-acquainted and in awe of that period of history. The book was easy to follow and hard to put down.The book is split into three parts basically the personal history of Genghis Khan; the period of fighting among the siblings upon his death and the consolidation and peak of the Mongol Empire under Khubilai Khan. All the sections are great. One learns the personal story of Genghis Khan and the obstacles he overcame from childhood to adultdhood. The strategy and politics he employed to slowly build support and the the personal animosities that developed. One learns of how ruthless the steppes were in the 12th and 13th centuries. One is taken through the evolution of Genghis Khans own maturation as he evolves is forced to make difficult choices. Military strategy is dicussed as well as cultural and political strategy. The book then starts discussing what happens as Genghis ages and the next generation transition happens. Genghis Khan had four children and the ensuing power struggle is discussed. The fracturing of the empire is detailed and it is in the final section that it is reunited under Khubilai khan. This period is detailed as the height of expanse of the Mongol Empire and is a period of political ingenuity rather than the product of pure military might.In all this book is a great refresher for those who have forgotten the period of the Mongol Empire and what happened. It is immensely readable and quite addictive. I have no real criticisms of the book; though occasionally i found characters described in different lights within a short span of pages. For example Khubilai Khan is described as incapbale and lazy when first in charge of conquering the Sung Dynasty but then portrayed as a military and political genius shortly thereafter once he had consolidated power. But minor issues aside I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
