Jerusalem

The Biography

By: Simon Sebag Montefiore

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 25 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Jerusalem is the universal city, the capital of two peoples, the shrine of three faiths; it is the prize of empires, the site of Judgement Day and the battlefield of today’s clash of civilizations. From King David to Barack Obama, from the birth of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to the Israel-Palestine conflict, this is the epic history of three thousand years of faith, slaughter, fanaticism and coexistence.

How did this small, remote town become the Holy City, the “center of the world” and now the key to peace in the Middle East? In a gripping narrative, Simon Sebag Montefiore reveals this ever-changing city in its many incarnations, bringing every epoch and character blazingly to life. Jerusalem’s biography is told through the wars, love affairs and revelations of the men and women - kings, empresses, prophets, poets, saints, conquerors and whores - who created, destroyed, chronicled and believed in Jerusalem. As well as the many ordinary Jerusalemites who have left their mark on the city, its cast varies from Solomon, Saladin and Suleiman the Magnificent to Cleopatra, Caligula and Churchill; from Abraham to Jesus and Muhammad; from the ancient world of Jezebel, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod and Nero to the modern times of the Kaiser, Disraeli, Mark Twain, Lincoln, Rasputin, Lawrence of Arabia and Moshe Dayan.

Drawing on new archives, current scholarship, his own family papers and a lifetime’s study, Montefiore illuminates the essence of sanctity and mysticism, identity and empire in a unique chronicle of the city that many believe will be the setting for the Apocalypse. This is how Jerusalem became Jerusalem, and the only city that exists twice - in heaven and on earth.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 Simon Sebag Montefiore (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Magnificent . . . The city’s first ‘biography’ - a panoptic narrative of its rulers and citizens, heroes and villains, harlots and saints . . . Montefiore barely misses a trick or a character in taking us through the city’s story with compelling, breathless tension.” (Norman Lebrecht, Wall Street Journal)

“Impossible to put down . . . A vastly enjoyable chronicle [with] many fascinating asides . . . Montefiore has a fine eye for the telling detail, and also a powerful feel for a good story.” (Jonathan Rosen, New York Times Book Review)

“Magisterial . . . As a writer, Montefiore has an elegant turn of phrase and an unerring ear for the anecdote that will cut to the heart of a story . . . It is this kind of detail that makes Jerusalem a particular joy to read.” (The Economist)

Amazing story from the Bible to Today

I was shocked at how little I knew (with a Masters in History) on many aspects of the Worlds Most well known city. This is a long, in-depth detailing history of the most influential spot on the planet. Don't miss your opportunity to listen to this fine detailing of Jerusalem. There's murder, mayhem, intrigue, and beauty that will just keep you rooted to the book for all 8+ hours of listening and you won't even notice how long you've been listening.

Comprehensive Look at Jerusalem

Where does Jerusalem rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was very well performed and extremely interesting. The muslim periods were difficult for me to keep track of because the names all seemed so similar. However, it would rank it in the top 80% of audiobooks that I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

There was humor, scandal, and very interesting connections that were peppered all throughout the book. I felt like it was tied together very, very well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Buckle Up - This is a Long, Long Story

Great book.

Loved it. I have learnt a lot about Jerusalem & history of this Holy place.

Biblical history comes alive

Would you listen to Jerusalem again? Why?

I would gladly listen again because of the richness of the narrative.

What did you like best about this story?

It flows so compellingly. It is like listening to a historical novel.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings a richness that makes the story come alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. 25 hours is a long time for one sitting, but it is well worth setting aside like the intermissions in long movies of years ago.

Extraordinary, Scholarly and Captivating

Montefiore never disappoints.
Jerusalem's past lends perspective to the present.
This is a must read for everyone who wants to understand the pivotal role that Jerusalem holds in controlling the future. Jerusalem belongs to mankind.
Kudos to John Lee.

informative

great book and the narrator did a great job. I just think there should have been more of a summary at the end.

great book

amazing epic biography about the mystic city, covers the history of 3 religions, with a lot of piquanterie, and a lot of information, feeding the brain with general knowledge.

History at it's best

Seekers of genuine historical fact (interspersed with a bit of knowledgeable opinion) will find this an amazingly valuable contribution. It is far too much to digest in a first listening but very worthwhile to listen in smaller doses. The points of view of all major players are well presented throughout. This reader will find it invaluable in sorting out all the current opinions which are expressed daily by the press or by those actually involved in making policies.

Superb Political History

"And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.") (Acts 1:19)

Having visited Jerusalem and the Holy Land in 1986 and again in 2019, and having even climbed to the top of Mount Sinai where Moses received The Ten Commandments, I knew some history of the sites. But never the complete political history. I must say when I return soon after reading this I will be more aware of the death, blood shed and power struggles that took place. The whole place is Akel Dama, the Field of Blood! Staggering killing and violence. Much like the entire world's political history. I never thought that much of it but now I do.

It reminds me of a unique saying of Jesus which defies the violence and makes anyone understand how different He was...

But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Matthew 26:52)

Lastly, in listening to this political history in its entirety I am made more aware and will appreciate Jerusalem much more. I will remember that all this happened where I'm walking.

Highly recommended reading (listening)!

Amazing

Just the attempt at an impartial history of the holy city is worthy of praise.