Summary
The Source, published in 1965, is a monumental historical novel by acclaimed author James A. Michener. This sweeping epic traces the history of Judaism and the land of Israel over thousands of years, from ancient times to the mid-20th century. Michener's signature storytelling style brings to life the rich tapestry of Jewish history, culture, and faith.
At the heart of the novel is a fictional archaeological dig at a tell called “Makor” in northern Israel. Through artifacts uncovered at different layers of the site, Michener explores pivotal moments in Jewish history, including the emergence of monotheism, the reign of King David, the Roman occupation, the Crusades, and the founding of modern Israel. This innovative structure allows readers to experience the sweep of history through interconnected stories and characters.
The Source has become a classic of historical fiction, praised for its ambitious scope and meticulous research. While not adapted for film or television, the novel's enduring popularity has cemented its place as one of Michener's most significant works. Its exploration of religious and cultural conflicts in the Middle East remains relevant decades after its initial publication.
Plot
James A. Michener's The Source is a sweeping historical novel that traces the history of the Jewish people and the land of Israel over thousands of years. The story is structured around a fictional archaeological dig in northern Israel. As archaeologists uncover artifacts from different historical periods, the novel delves into the lives of the people associated with each item.
The narrative begins in prehistoric times with the Ur family, following their descendants through various pivotal moments in Jewish history. It covers the emergence of monotheism, the reign of King David, the Babylonian exile, and the influence of Hellenistic culture. The story continues through the Roman period, the rise of Christianity, and the Muslim conquest of the Holy Land.
Michener's tale then moves through the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and the decline of the Ottoman Empire. The novel concludes with the founding of modern Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Middle East conflict. Throughout these historical periods, the book explores the perseverance of Jewish faith and culture in the face of numerous challenges and persecutions.
Interwoven with the historical narrative is a contemporary frame story set in the 1960s. This modern-day plot follows three archaeologists – a Jew, a Catholic, and a Muslim – as they work on the dig at Makor. Their discoveries and interactions provide context and reflection on the historical events depicted in the main storyline, connecting the past to the present.
Themes
Religious evolution and cultural identity
Perseverance through adversity
Impact of historical events on individuals
Interplay between different faiths and civilizations
Archaeological discovery as a window to the past
Continuity and change in human societies
Struggle for land and power in the Middle East
Setting
The Source spans an immense historical timeline, stretching from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. The novel's setting encompasses the land of Israel and its surrounding regions, tracing the evolution of Jewish faith and culture across millennia. Michener's narrative weaves through various eras, including the early Hebrew settlements, the rise of Christianity, the Crusades, and the founding of modern Israel.
At the heart of the story lies the fictional archaeological site of Makor, a tell in northern Israel. This excavation serves as a framing device, connecting the contemporary archaeologists' work in the 1960s to the layers of history they uncover. Each artifact unearthed at Makor becomes a gateway to a specific historical period, allowing readers to explore the lives of those who inhabited the region in different epochs.
Characters
Ilan Eliav: A modern Israeli archaeologist leading the dig at Tell Makor. Eliav is passionate about uncovering the history of his people and land. He represents the new generation of Israelis, born in the country and deeply connected to its soil. Eliav's work at the tell serves as the framing device for the novel's historical narratives.
Vered Bar-El: A young kibbutznik and archaeologist working alongside Eliav. Vered embodies the spirit of the early Israeli pioneers. She is intelligent, hardworking, and committed to building a new life in the ancient land.
John Cullinane: An American archaeologist invited to join the dig at Makor. Cullinane brings an outsider's perspective to the excavation and the complex history of the region.
Ur: The Stone Age patriarch whose family begins the long journey towards monotheism. Ur's experiences with primitive religious practices set the stage for the development of Judaism.
Zadok: A Jewish high priest during the time of King David. Zadok's story illustrates the consolidation of Jewish religious practices and political power.
Hoopoe: A minor character, a bird whose presence spans multiple historical periods. The hoopoe serves as a symbol of continuity throughout the novel.
Gomer: A Jewish woman living during the Babylonian exile. Gomer's narrative explores the challenges faced by the Jewish people in maintaining their faith and identity in diaspora.
Quick facts
The novel was published in 1965 and became an instant bestseller.
It covers over 10,000 years of Jewish history, from prehistoric times to 1964.
The book is structured around an archaeological dig at a fictional tell called “Makor” in northern Israel.
Michener spent over two years researching and writing the novel, including extensive travel in Israel.
At over 1,000 pages long, it's one of Michener's most ambitious and comprehensive works.
The novel weaves together fictional characters with real historical figures and events.
It explores the origins and development of monotheism and the Abrahamic religions.
The book sparked controversy for its frank depictions of sexuality in ancient cultures.
Michener donated most of his earnings from the book to support educational causes in Israel.
The novel has been translated into over 20 languages and remains popular decades after publication.
About the Author
James A. Michener (1907-1997) was a prolific American author best known for his sweeping historical novels that spanned multiple generations and locations. His first book, Tales of the South Pacific, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1948 and was later adapted into the hit musical South Pacific. Michener went on to write over 40 books in his lifetime, many of which became bestsellers and Book of the Month Club selections.
Michener's novels were characterized by extensive research and meticulous attention to historical and cultural details. Works like Hawaii, The Source, Centennial, and Texas incorporated solid historical facts into multi-generational sagas set in specific geographic locales. His non-fiction works included travel books like Iberia and memoirs such as The World Is My Home.
Michener was also involved in politics and philanthropy. He unsuccessfully ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1962 and served as secretary of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention. Michener became a major philanthropist later in life, donating over $100 million to educational and cultural institutions. He established the Journey Prize for Canadian literature and helped found the James A. Michener Art Museum in his hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Though the exact circumstances of his birth remained unclear to him, Michener was raised as a Quaker in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Swarthmore College and earned a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific, experiences which inspired his first book. Michener was married three times, with his third wife Mari Yoriko Sabusawa remaining his partner until her death in 1994. He passed away in 1997 at age 90.
