The world history book to define all others; National Geographic Visual History of the World is a classic in the making. No other volume offers such a comprehensive and richly illustrated chronicle of world events; from the construction of the Pyramids to the overthrow of the Taliban. Readers see how momentous happenings; personalities; catastrophes; discoveries; and inventions unfold in a visually stimulating layout. Four eight-page gatefolds bring to life major events of world history and thousands of paintings; photographs and illustrations depict subjects ranging from the Roman Empire to the Reformation; World War II; to the war in Afghanistan. A timeline at the bottom of every page highlights the most important events; names; and dates of the era; and color-coded cross-referencing helps point readers to other applicable sections. Ideal for people who prefer to flip through books at random; this highly accessible resource contains sidebars on the great religions; influential ideologies; and other topics; as well as biographies of world leaders and notable personalities in the arts and humanities. National Geographic Visual History of the World is an indispensable; impressive; and extravagantly illustrated reference of social; cultural; and military history in one volume. It is a must-have for all families; armchair historians; and serious scholars alike.
#1950201 in Books 1994-11-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; #File Name: 0791421449396 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant review of midrashBy CustomerThis book is an excellent introduction to halachic midrash and is especially valuable in understanding how 19th century Jewish scholars dealt with rabbinic exegesis. By focusing on typical examples of reform and orthodox scholarship; Harris illuminates the entire period without bogging the body of the book in detail. I would highly recommend it to all scholars in Jewish studies and to the casual reader who would like to know more about the relationship of the Biblical text to the Jewish tradition.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Briliant erudition and relevanceBy CustomerThis work is a overwhelming survey of the understanding of rabbinic hermeneutics from the Talmudic period until the 19th century Harris deals with all the material in stride; and does not fall into the trap of seeing one author as nothing but a "precursor" or "influence" over the other. Even more so; he managed to take a topic which seems esoteric and technical but actually; as he shows; became one of the major bones of contention in the confrontation of traditional judaism with modern historical thinking. It would be worthwhile for the author to add an appendix bringing the debate up to date and emphisizing the thoelogical and legal ramifications of the debates on rabbinic hermenutic (such as the recent work of Moshe Halbertal). But don't wait for that. Read it now!!5 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The intellectual roots of the modern Jewish divideBy A CustomerWhile Judaism is a religion based largely on the Hebrew Bible; it is clear that much of Jewish law is extra-biblical. Many scholars; such as Jacob Neusner; have investigated the origins of such laws. Professor Harris' book traces the history of how Jewish intellectuals have dealt with the critical question: how do we know where Jewish Law came from? Starting in the Talmudic era; and moving through the medieval and modern periods; How Do We Know This offers a brilliant historical perspective on the fragmentation of modern Judaism. Highly recommended for readers undaunted by scholarly material and rabbinic concepts
