Jerusalem: The Biography
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Simon Sebag Montefiore |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
Jerusalem: The Biography is a non-fiction bestseller published in 2011, authored by the British historian and writer Simon Sebag Montefiore.
Synopsis
Utilizing recently uncovered archives, academic research, private family documents, and thorough investigation, Montefiore narrates the history of Jerusalem as a pivotal city of holiness, cultural identity, and imperial significance.
The narrative follows a chronological structure, beginning with King David’s designation of Jerusalem as his capital and continuing through to the 1967 Six-Day War. This approach deliberately sidesteps contemporary viewpoints by concentrating on historical developments.
Rather than attempting to detail every aspect of the city or deliver exhaustive accounts of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, Montefiore integrates primary evidence and scholarly perspectives to offer an accurate portrayal without engaging in religious or political debates.
In December 2011, the author adapted the book into a three-part series for BBC Four entitled Jerusalem: The Making of a Holy City.
Awards
- 2011: Recipient of the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Book of the Year
See also
- Walls of Jerusalem
- Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim)
- List of places in Jerusalem
References
External links
- Official book presentation on Simon Sebag Montefiore’s website
- Detailed source notes for the book
- BBC Four television feature on Jerusalem, video news segment, 28 January 2011
- Review from The Press, dated 10 March 2012
- Bill Clinton’s video tribute recognizing Jerusalem as Best Book of 2011 on Today.com
- YouTube interview with Montefiore
- Interview on Current Affairs hosted by Charlie Rose
- Panel discussion about Jerusalem at Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington D.C., 2 November 2011