Bible and Sword cover art

Bible and Sword

England and Palestine from the Bronze Age to Balfour

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Bible and Sword

By: Barbara W. Tuchman
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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About this listen

Two-time Pulitzer Prize - winning historian Barbara Tuchman explores the complex relationship of Britain to Palestine that led to the founding of the modern Jewish state - and to many of the problems that plague the Middle East today.

From early times, the British people have been drawn to the Holy Land through two major influences: the translation of the Bible into English and, later, the imperial need to control the road to India and access to the oil in the Middle East. Under these influences, one cultural and the other political, countless Englishmen - pilgrims, crusaders, missionaries, merchants, explorers, and surveyors - have made their way to the land of the ancient Hebrews.

With the lucidity and vividness that characterizes her work, Barbara Tuchman brings to life the development of these twin motives - the Bible and the sword - in the consciousness of the British people, until they were finally brought together at the end of World War I when Britain's conquest of Palestine from the Turks and the solemn moment of entering Jerusalem were imminent. Requiring a gesture of matching significance, that event evoked the Balfour Declaration of 1917, establishing a British-sponsored national home for the modern survivors of the people of the Old Testament.

In her account, first published in 1956, Ms. Tuchman demonstrates that the seeds of today's troubles in the Middle East were planted long before the first efforts at founding a modern state of Israel.

©1984 Barbara W. Tuchman (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Civilization Europe Great Britain Israel & Palestine Middle East Politics & Government World England Africa Imperialism Middle ages United Kingdom Holocaust Ancient History Survival

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Critic reviews

"Barbara Tuchman is a wise and witty writer, a shrewd observer with a lively command of high drama." ( Philadelphia Inquirer)
"In her métier as a narrative popular historical writer, Barbara Tuchman is supreme." ( Chicago Sun-Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
It went through all the reasons and the twists and turns of history which are never broached by the experts on TV due to complexity and length. Lovely voice actor.

Good explanation

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A good book better read than listened to. The most cringe thing is the ludicrous improvised accents when quoting particular individuals. Lloyd George’s accent is a special treat.

Dreadful narration

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To learn the long history behind the relationship with Jerusalem, as someone interested in pilgrimage - also fascinating
Loved it

Just what I was looking for!

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With great clarity it brings to life the confusing saga of Jerusalem and the World. The characters involved have become meaningful. The reader was unusual, but very well chosen she suited the atmosphere of diplomacy. she was So British

Great book, everyone should listen to it

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fascinating to look back to the status quo on nineteen fifty six a really entertaining presentation of a superb piece of writing

Loved it

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Absolutely amazing book, however a terrible narrator has been chosen. I don't really understand why such a good book has been spoiled.

Terrible narrator.

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