Of the making of histories of Israel there might seem to be no end, and confronted with such a wide variety, the student could well feel that there were more than enough already. However, there is always room for a new study, and this is one of the very best. What marks out Professor Soggin's work from its rivals is its concern for all aspects of Israel's history, for political and economic factors as well as for religion and theological interpretation. His chapter on method in writing a history of Israel is unsurpassed for its scope and comprehensiveness, and also provides a survey of all other histories. So too is his presentation of the geography and topography of Israel, vividly illustrated from his own stay in the country.