Jealous Gods and Chosen People: The Mythology of the Middle East
"An excellent introduction to the important mythologies formulated by peoples whose descendents still shape the conflicts in the Middle East.  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all arose in the Middle East, and in accessible and graceful prose, Leeming illuminates the archaelogical and cultural background for the emergence of those warring-cousin belief systems."--Booklist"Leeming's useful survey offers an introductory guide to tales that for centuries have influenced people's religion and culture."--Publishers Weekly"In this accessible survey of Middle Eastern mythology, Leeming chooses not to dwell on competing ideologies and predicaments of the troubled region and instead demonstrates that spiritual truth and religion, like mythology, make for metaphorical rather than factual history.... This book offers an accessible treatment of a dense and complex topic that will be equally useful to nonspecialists and scholars seeking a quick and informed understanding of Middle Eastern mythology.  Highly recommended for any public or academic library."--Library Journal