Rating: 
Summary: If you're going to Jerusalem, you must read this book.
Review: If you're like me, you'll buy Karen Armstrong's Jerusalem just
after purchasing your plane ticket to the historic city. And
you'll try to read it before you leave. My advice: wait until you're on the plane to begin reading--no guilt for not getting to it before departing. The early chapters are better
read while en route, and the later chapters "live" while sur
rounded with the three faiths that have made Jerusalem the most interesting city in the world. The old city still has the same flavor, I'm sure, as it did centuries ago. The Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchur are all infinitely more meaningful after reading Armstrong's history. So save the money that local guides want to charge you and read Armstrong's book, muster your self-control (if you have any) and wait until you're on your way to the holy city to read her rich account of Jerusalem, a city that still needs our prayers
to live up to its name--"city of peace."
Rating:
Summary: All Sides of the Story
Review: In books concerning hot conflicts like the Middle East, it is commonplace to cover only part of the story or to concentrate on one set of events more so than others. This is understandable of course since most people with adequate interest in a topic typically have made up their minds and favor one of the conflicting sides. Not so with this book. I read this book with a critical eye, begging to find any evidence that the author is partial to anyone anyone, but in all of the 430 pages I could not find a single biased reference nor any significant omissions. By writing this wonderful comprehensive and well-researched history of Jerusalem, Karen Armstrong has done all of us concerned about the city a great favor. Throughout the 5000-year history of the city, this book describes in an unbiased tone the enormously interesting history of this hotly contested city. Many remarkable and little-known facts are can be found here. For example, I was surprised to learn that the history of Jerusalem extended for 2000 years before King David, its purported "founder". The book covers all the different eras of the city: the Canaanite, Egyptian, Israelite, Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Muslim, and Crusader eras. The last two chapters focus on the 20th century history of the city. Though the author was a former catholic nun, she displays no bias whatsoever towards Christianity. The book displays the history of the city equally from the points of view of all three religious groups that care about it: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Thus the book dwells in detail about the extreme agony of the Jews for their loss of the city and their being forbidden to enter it during Byzantine Roman rule. The book also illustrates the relative tolerance of early Islam and how Jews for the first time were allowed to return to Jerusalem under Islamic rule and coexist in peace with Christians and Muslims. If the author displays a bias against anyone, it is against extremists from all religions who are today fanning the flames of conflict and threatening the peace of the city. The book is a definite page-turner, packed full of information, and well worth a read if you cared about understanding the "whys" and the "how comes" behind the daily headlines. If you liked this book, you'll like Karen Armstrong's other books, especially "A History of God" which, surprisingly, contains little repetition or overlap with this book, unlike many similarly prolific authors.
Rating:
Summary: All Sides of the Story
Review: In books concerning hot conflicts like the Middle East, it is commonplace to cover only part of the story or to concentrate on one set of events more so than others. This is understandable of course since most people with adequate interest in a topic typically have made up their minds and favor one of the conflicting sides. Not so with this book. I read this book with a critical eye, begging to find any evidence that the author is partial to anyone anyone, but in all of the 430 pages I could not find a single biased reference nor any significant omissions. By writing this wonderful comprehensive and well-researched history of Jerusalem, Karen Armstrong has done all of us concerned about the city a great favor. Throughout the 5000-year history of the city, this book describes in an unbiased tone the enormously interesting history of this hotly contested city. Many remarkable and little-known facts are can be found here. For example, I was surprised to learn that the history of Jerusalem extended for 2000 years before King David, its purported "founder". The book covers all the different eras of the city: the Canaanite, Egyptian, Israelite, Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Muslim, and Crusader eras. The last two chapters focus on the 20th century history of the city. Though the author was a former catholic nun, she displays no bias whatsoever towards Christianity. The book displays the history of the city equally from the points of view of all three religious groups that care about it: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Thus the book dwells in detail about the extreme agony of the Jews for their loss of the city and their being forbidden to enter it during Byzantine Roman rule. The book also illustrates the relative tolerance of early Islam and how Jews for the first time were allowed to return to Jerusalem under Islamic rule and coexist in peace with Christians and Muslims. If the author displays a bias against anyone, it is against extremists from all religions who are today fanning the flames of conflict and threatening the peace of the city. The book is a definite page-turner, packed full of information, and well worth a read if you cared about understanding the "whys" and the "how comes" behind the daily headlines. If you liked this book, you'll like Karen Armstrong's other books, especially "A History of God" which, surprisingly, contains little repetition or overlap with this book, unlike many similarly prolific authors.
Rating:
Summary: Clearing the cobwebs of the Holy City
Review: Karen Armstrong, an Oxford-educated,ex-Catholic Nun,and prolific writer on comparative religions has written an important contribution to the history of a city so mired in political and religious strife. Her main theme is the idea of "sacred geography", and the notion of religious symbolism and myth that is associated with sacred geography.
In a chronological manner, Armstrong ties each monotheistic religion to the city of Jerusalem, and delves into the linkages between each religion and the city of Jerusalem
For any reader of history, the story of Jerusalem is fascinating, if not for the depth of history associated with the city.
Yes, Armstrong does display a bias towards the current situation in the city today, but I will let you determine that for yourself.
All in all, a good overview of the history of the city, and the religious associations with Jerusalem.
Rating: 
Summary: Good History - But Biased
Review: Ms. Armstrong presents a compelling sweep of history in "Jerusalem" which provides the reader with a multi-faceted view of this site of "Sacred Geography." Humans have, since the beginnings of our species, looked to high places as the site to commune with the Divine. Jerusalem is one such place. From a time beyond recorded history, various peoples of various religions, have sought to worship the Divine atop its highest peaks. Looking at "The Dome of the Rock" it is clear that, at one time, this was a sacrificial altar. Yet, the faithful of these religions have not been kind to Jerusalem. In recorded history, perhaps only King David was willing to accept a multi-faceted worship within Jerusalem. The Romans erected statues on the site deemed holy by the sons and daughters of Israel, only to incite a riot that required an army to halt the fighting. In our own day, the current Prime Minister of Israel, incited the ongoing Intifada by presenting himself, an armed guard, and a covey of people who wanted to "lay the cornerstone of the next temple" on the grounds of the Haram Al-Sharif (a.k.a., The Temple Mount). Clearly this place, this piece of sacred geography can incite people to extreme acts. No group of humans has done well with this place. The Romans sacked the city and destroyed all but Herod's wall leaving the sanctuary of YHWH bereft. Fllowers of the Prophet came to the place of Mohamed's "Night Journey," conquered and rebuilt the city. The Christian Crusaders made the streets run with blood up to the knees of their horses. The Ottoman Empire, took over the geography and tried to rule it with an even, albeit Islamic, hand. Jewish settlers got the United Nations to make it a country. And, Christians, Muslims, and Jews have been fighting a never-ending battle for control of this geography. Each side of the three sides, inciting the other two to acts of outrage and violence. In a post September 11 world, this book, along with Ms. Armstrong's other works, sheds a different angle of light on the question we all ask - why? Perhaps the most dangerous person in the world is "a monotheist with a mission." As humans we should all weep for Jerusalem and what we have done to her.
Rating:
Summary: Weep for Jerusalem
Review: Ms. Armstrong presents a compelling sweep of history in "Jerusalem" which provides the reader with a multi-faceted view of this site of "Sacred Geography." Humans have, since the beginnings of our species, looked to high places as the site to commune with the Divine. Jerusalem is one such place. From a time beyond recorded history, various peoples of various religions, have sought to worship the Divine atop its highest peaks. Looking at "The Dome of the Rock" it is clear that, at one time, this was a sacrificial altar. Yet, the faithful of these religions have not been kind to Jerusalem. In recorded history, perhaps only King David was willing to accept a multi-faceted worship within Jerusalem. The Romans erected statues on the site deemed holy by the sons and daughters of Israel, only to incite a riot that required an army to halt the fighting. In our own day, the current Prime Minister of Israel, incited the ongoing Intifada by presenting himself, an armed guard, and a covey of people who wanted to "lay the cornerstone of the next temple" on the grounds of the Haram Al-Sharif (a.k.a., The Temple Mount). Clearly this place, this piece of sacred geography can incite people to extreme acts. No group of humans has done well with this place. The Romans sacked the city and destroyed all but Herod's wall leaving the sanctuary of YHWH bereft. Fllowers of the Prophet came to the place of Mohamed's "Night Journey," conquered and rebuilt the city. The Christian Crusaders made the streets run with blood up to the knees of their horses. The Ottoman Empire, took over the geography and tried to rule it with an even, albeit Islamic, hand. Jewish settlers got the United Nations to make it a country. And, Christians, Muslims, and Jews have been fighting a never-ending battle for control of this geography. Each side of the three sides, inciting the other two to acts of outrage and violence. In a post September 11 world, this book, along with Ms. Armstrong's other works, sheds a different angle of light on the question we all ask - why? Perhaps the most dangerous person in the world is "a monotheist with a mission." As humans we should all weep for Jerusalem and what we have done to her.
Rating: 
Summary: Armstrong Handles a Tough Topic
Review: Not only was Karen Armstrong a nun for seven years, but she also teaches college courses on middle eastern history and Islam. She has brought a wonderful collection of history and religion together to illuminate this often tempest-tossed area of the world. Her analysis is effective for the non-historian to understand the political and religions factions of the Jerusalem conflict. Also, her analysis is sensitive enought to illuminate the struggle for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Anyone interested in comparative religion should read this book as well as Armstrong's others.
Rating:
Summary: an open mind
Review: The author offers a thoroughly researched and readable account of the history of Jerusalem and its relationship with the present. It leaves no controversy untouched, so it is likely to confront ones cherished notions about who is right, or wrong, but she does so in a way which illuminates the readers point of view and leads it into a more modern perspective. Free flowing conversational style that reveals a lot about the authors fascination with the City, its people, and its history. At the same time, it is thorough, carefully written, and accurate.
Rating:
Summary: This is history as it should be written
Review: This book merits praise for being exhaustive,highly readable and,as much as one could be,objective on such a tragic issue like the Israeli-Arab conflict.She condemns religious exclusivity and fundamentalism,and she is right.Few other things have brought more grief and suffering to humanity.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensible for an unbiased view of Jerusalem's past
Review: This is an extraordinarly informative and well organized book. In about four hundred pages it take us through the rich history of that city and its inhabitants since its incontrovertible first archeological remains in the begining of the second millenium B.C. until the present day. It take us from the jebusite city to the hebrew conquest by David; from Solomon and the first jewish temple to the Babilonian conquest and exile; from the Asmonean rule, the second temple and its destruction in the aftermath of the rebellion against Rome. The rebirth of the city as Elia Capitolina and its transformation into the christian city; the muslim conquest by Omar in 638, the crusaders onslaught in 1099 and their final eviction by Saladin in 1187. Proceeding to the mameluc and otoman periods, it concludes with three chapters on the 19th and 20th centuries, briefly describing the renewed interest in the city by the European powers, the rise of Zionism, and the conflict it originated between the local arab population and the newly arrived zionist immigrants, culminating in the establishment of the state of Israel and the ensuing conflicts. Although more detailed information about the 20th century history must be looked up somewhere else (eg in Benvenisti's excellent City of Stone,) the present study is certainly an indispensable work to everyone who wants an unbiased understanding of the history of the city at the centre of one of the most intractable conflicts of modern times.
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