DOC In The Steps Of The Master by H. V. Morton; Richard John Neuhaus in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Incredible writing and wonderful stories and places to see through the eyes of a truly great travel writerBy CindyIf you like excellent writing; history; and interesting and entertaining travel memoirs then Morton is for you; he captures the essence of a place and introduces you to characters he meets who jump off the page. His writing is simply delightful to read with his command of language. Even though he wrote 50 plus years ago his writing is not boring; not dusty; but so alive and factual.The second best thing to actually visiting myself.Also fascinating to see a vision of the Middle East prior to its current mess; and the Holy Land in the infancy of the Israeli state.Read this; you will never regret it. This particular book is my favorite; secondly the book he wrote on Paul's journeys. I am a Christian and it deeply moved me understanding the geographical and historical context of Christ. Also equally fascinating is how the future believers interpreted his life and their own faith. Everyone has it right. Each sect has the right take on Christ's teaching and their way is the best way. Typical humans. Morton thoughtfully and without judgement; and with great interest and empathy meets all kinds of colorful characters who lend truth to our human pride and egos as we live out our faith imperfectly but with God's grace shining through to make even our imperfect faith a beautiful and precious thing.However if you are not a Christian you will love it as well as Morton does not beat you over the head with religion. He gives us a window into a place and into the lives of others in a very objective; historical manner with great literary skill.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. In The Steps Of The Master by H.V. MortonBy Joan CampionJerusalem Journal: Adventures in a Desert LandscapeIn the Lion's Mouth: Gisi Fleischmann the Jewish Fight for SurvivalIsn't This Glorious!: The 15th; 19th; And 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments at Gettysburg's Copse of TreesIt's amazing to read a book like H.V. Morton's "In The Steps Of the Master" when you have; at least to some extent; traveled in Morton's own steps. This gifted 20th century travel writer writes like a painter--you can see what he is writing about as clearly as if you were there too. His knowledge of the complex history of what many people call the Holy Land seems encyclopedic; and it seems he has visited all of the sites and taken you along. His encounters with the many peoples of the Palestine Mandate--for he wrote this book before the foundation of modern Israel-- are memorable. The people he hears from range from the Zionist who sees his people's salvation in tractors to the ultra-Orthodox Jew who trusts only in God. There are many non-Jews as well; memorably including a British police officer (and his English setter dog) who Morton meets in 100-degree heat in Jericho; well below sea level. Temperature or no; the officer plans to go shooting with his dog. Back home; tweeds were what one wore to go shooting; so tweeds it is here; too.This is one of the funniest passages in the book; although its subject would have seen nothing funny about it. It helps one understand the British Empire a bit better; people who would not pass out while wearing tweed in a desert landscape are a hearty stock. Perhaps; since Britain's imperial heyday; they have weakened.I have no trouble giving this five well-deserved stars.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A true classic.By Sharon BraunThis is a classic. I first encountered this book in a used bookstore in Victoria; BC; Canada; about 15 years ago; and it was so unforgettable that I searched for it online and found to my delight that it was reissued and available on . H.V. Morton will take you right into the Holy Land before all the upheavals in the Middle East; and you will indeed walk in the Footsteps of the Master!