Hayes, John Haralson, 1934- . By John H. Hayes and Sara R. Mandell. Westminster John Knox Press , 1998.
Jewish history is, and always had been, a contentious area of study.
Personal ideologies, political sensibilities, and religious overtones often color the study of Jewish History. This period, which ranges from 333 B.C.E. to 135 C.E., encompasses an exceptionally volatile period beginning with the conquest of Palestine by Alexander the Great and culminating with the termination of the Second Jewish Revolt against Rome. Many authors have found it difficult to approach this era without allowing their own personal biases to encroach upon their work. In an era that is so tinged with religious overtones, this is not unexpected. The text is divided into four parts.