I bought this for a friend who had just come back from her first trip to Israel and wanted to know more about the history of the state. She flipped over this book -- and when I read it, I saw why. It's full of replicas of historical documents (posters, letters, even passports) with interesting, up-to-date text by one of the most respected historians in the field. This would be a great present for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah -- or for anyone interested in the modern Jewish state.

One of my students brought this in to share with me. It's engaging, well researched, and the fascimiles are colorful and informative. I've incorporated some of these documents into my curriculum and will more than likely buy my own copy of this book in the near future.

This is an excellent presentation of Israel's short history. Both by way of the written word and pictorially the author excels. On the occasion of Israel's 60th birthday, it is to be truly recommended.