Homeland: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel

When I was a young child, My grandma Esther would taut at me about my comic collection. She said "Mickey Mouse books that won't ever matter ever.". Those words still echo in my head today. After reading Homeland, I wish I could show this book to her now.She would be amazed To call this book a graphic history novel would not be an insult. There have been other historical graphic novels that have gone before like Maus : A Survivor's Tale : My Father Bleeds History/Here My Troubles Began/Boxedand Barefoot Gen Volume One: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima . However the quality of this work surpasses those two graphic novels. BUT after you buy this, get those as well! However this illustrated story of the state of Israel is more a history lesson for the masses. The text written by Marvel and DC comic scribe Marv Wolfman is not bias nor boring. He may have a jewish narrative, but it is not so heavy handed as most other works out there are. Its timeline goes from the Bible to modern day Israel. Wolfman's words are well researched. It is about a country and a civilization, Wolfman's pen skills takes adult and child alike into history with ease, which is a hard feat for most writers The dymanic art work and digital images from the amazing hands of Mario Ruiz is a tresure to keep. This is not an illustrated bible, but a painted graphic novel which unfolds into a history that breathes. This is not comic book images, this is art! Lets be honest, Children bore easy when you speak of history of any sort...In my opinion, I would want a copy of this comic in every kid's hands over the age of twelve. I do not mean just Jewish children, I mean EVERY CHILD! I do not assume they would bore that easy with a teacher's study guide..which i would hope comes soon And now to the adults, this volume is great for the coffee table set. Nevertheless, take it off the table and read it too. However, I think the art is so well versed, I which there were prints available for framing of some of Ruiz's craftmanship. I hope that comes soon as well! Everyone is seeking great gift ideas for the upcoming holiday seasons... so the for comic/graphic novel fans out there, this book will thrill them, just whisper Marv Wolfman's name.... For the history buff, this will intrigue them, it is about an ancient civilization.... For the arsty set, the artwork along will immerse them in masterful images... For the future Bar Mitzvah boy or Bas Mitvah girl (or their families), this is a great gift to add to their religious library.... For the non Jewish religious ones on your list, the text will still engross them... And for those who just like a coffee table book which stands out above the rest, this book will suit those For whatever reason you choose, this book is a gift that keeps giving..So get it! Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

A superbly illustrated history, "Homeland" is a historical overview of 3,500 years of Israel's complex and complicated history presented with the accuracy of university level scholarship and the accessibility of a graphic novel. Exceptionally easy to understand, Israel's history is laid out chronologically with almost every page featuring full color photos and painted illustrations enhancing a superimposed explanatory text. The collaborative effort of Marv Wolfman, Mario Ruiz, and William J. Rubin, "Homeland" begins with the story of Abraham, continues through biblical times down to the period of Roman rule, the diaspora, the Holocaust, the founding of the modern State of Israel, notes its accomplishments, as well as the recent wars the Israeli's have had to wage in order to preserve their nation and themselves. Of special note is how the authors, while writing from a Jewish perspective, have also drawn upon non-Jewish narratives as well, giving "Homeland" an historical context with respect to contemporary Middle East issues. A unique and visually impressive publication which is also available in paperback ($19.95), "Homeland: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, school, and community library collections.

This wonderfully llustrated history gives a great overview of Jewish heritage and a context for today's politics. A great way to get a grounding in the subject for those of Jewish heritage who missed Hebrew School, or others wanting insight into the tragedies and traditions informing modern Judaism (and Zionism). Would be great for teens, but also for adults looking for the big picture.

A friend let me read her copy and I just ordered my own. The story is both enlightening and entertaining. And the web doesn't even do justice to the graphics. They are even more amazing in print. I think fans of history (both ancient and contemporary) and those who like graphic novels will love this new book.