Josephus: The Essential Works

I was so excited to be able to buy a new copy of this book! I have this in paperback, signed by the author, but heard it was available in hard cover and with color photos. The bookseller was amazing. She not only wrapped the book in bubble wrap before putting it in a bubble envelope, to insure it would not get damaged in shipping, but wrote a special message to me and placed it inside the book. I would definitely purchase from her again.

This book is in perfect condition, a great addition to my collection

This book gives you Holy Land archaeology in full-color photographs and drawings to accompany text by Josephus. Paul L. Maier does a superb job showing evidence in the historical record. Josephus, while liking and admiring Jewish culture, is clearly rooting for the Romans in his writings. This book is amazing – get the hardcover! Endlessly fascinating writing and excellent notes, adding chronological dating and Biblical passages that correspond with Josephus.Unputdownable.

A very readable condensation of Josephus’ History of the Jews. Concise, well illustrated, and highly informative history of Bible times, especially the years of the early church, Roman emperors, and events he personally witnessed in 70 AD (the Fall of Jerusalem). Masterful condensed version of this Classic work of Ancient History!

Thus far, I've been pleased with the writing style and the condensation of the works of Josephus. The translation is an easy-to-read one, and the condensation is well executed. In areas where Josephus goes into a great deal of detail on a topic (for instance, the Laws and Statutes), Paul Maier notes this in brackets, so that if one so desired, they could reference a transliteral version of the Josephus works. I'm not complete finished with the book, but thus far I've found only minor niggles (referring to the entire nation-state of Israel as "Jews" vs. the fact that the Jews were only one tribe/kingdom, which may have just been an accidental error in writing style). Again, the writing is in a modern readable style, and allows one to quickly and easily digest the works of Josephus, with the ability to reference a full word-for-word translation if one desires further detail.

Great condensation of the historical writing of Josephus. If you want to understand your Bible more, read this book! Very well done with lots of illustrations and maps.

The translation is very welcome. I enjoy the condensation of the text. I have Whiston's translation of Josephus' Complete Works also. I think this work compliments Whiston's.

Hard to give a review as have not finished reading the book. Taking my time, I find myself verifying what I read with scripture. Although I attended parochial school, I am not a Bible scholar. I find the works of Josephus fascinating. Paul Maiers's translation of the writings of Josephus enhances the events in the Old Testament. Wishing I could retain more of what I am learning from reading this translation so am sure I will be referring to it many times over. Have always been curious about the writings of Josephus and so far I am glad I picked Paul Maiers translation. Photographs, maps, illustrations......all good and a easy read.

On a tour of the Holy Land earlier this year, our excellent guide often spoke of Josephus. The guide had a deep knowledge of the geography of the country, together with its history and the Bible. He was able to pull together what was happening at whichever site we were visiting down through the ages and integrate it into the belief systems of the local community, Jewish, Christian or Islamic. He quoted Josephus expensively, both the Antiquities where he covers Jewish history and the Jewish War, where Josephus is often writing about contemporary events where he was an eye-witness. I bought the book when I got home and found it fascinating. It is very simply written (or perhaps translated) and is very readable. It covers a wide sweep of history and belief with eye-witness testimony from the first century. I really recommend this translation which condenses a huge amount of material into an excellent readable book.

A handy modern version in abridged form of a classic source. Most interesting is the latter part of Antiquities and the Jewish War as there were events that were closest to Josephus’s own times or that he even witnessed himself. A useful introduction by the translator.

A very good read this one is well worth the money it also came on time.

This is a fine collection of the most important parts of Josephus' many letters. It charts the history of the Jewish people including information about Jesus, the Christ.

Its another book that I skipped through so sorry cant recommend it.