Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of the Bible

Rare is the book that can both make the Bible and the facts behind the biblical stories so well illustrated and interesting. Dr Ryan achieves both and is to be commended on the archaeological facts which show a deep, knowledgeable and interesting scholarly approach he takes in presenting the true, known facts. Any person who loves history, archeology or the bible would love this work. Everything except the title gets a solid 5 stars. Well done work.

The power of the Bible is such that sometimes one forgets that the stories therein take place in a real world full of interesting living people like the Egyptians, Canaanites, Moabites, Assyrians, Romans, etc. and of course the Israelites. This book sheds a lot of light on the various places and peoples of Bible times and how archaeologists and other scholars have attempted to further our knowledge. As can be expected, there are often disagreements amongst the experts, and the author usually takes a refreshingly neutral stance in presenting different viewpoints. I especially appreciated the historical background information on the likes of the Babylonians, Persians, etc. and the parts dealing with daily life amongst the Israelites were interesting and informative. (And I never knew the Philistines were so sophisticated!) I highly recommend this book as a very good introduction to the Biblical world!