The Golden City: Jerusalem's 3,000 Years
Grade 1-4?This succinct illustrated history of Jerusalem from King David's time to the present day successfully introduces the panorama of religions and cultures that have formed the city's heritage and created its mystique. Waldman also conveys the senselessness of centuries of political strife that has formed layer upon layer of abandoned architecture, leaving in its wake destruction and hatred between Israel and some of its neighbors. Although it is brief, the text carefully explains why Jerusalem is so important to Jews, Christians, and Moslems by detailing its occupation over the centuries, with just enough information to satisfy youngsters with little or no historical background. The narrative is further elucidated by full-page colored-pencil drawings on watercolor backgrounds that show views of the city at various times in its history. The Golden City provides clearer, more detailed information than Karla Kuskin's Jerusalem, Shining Still (HarperCollins, 1987), which uses simple language but seems to be written more for its poetic style than for informational purposes.?Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.