Zondervan Essential Atlas of the Bible

February 1, 2014

This is Rasmussen's (Old Testament, Emeritus, Bethel Univ.) abridged version of his larger work, Atlas of the Bible, issued by the same publisher. Although some of the content has been omitted, the format of the text remains the same. The book is divided into two sections: "Geographical" and "Historical." The first takes an in-depth look at the geography, climate, growing seasons, types of crops planted, and routes of the Middle East as a whole. It also looks in detail at particular countries: Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and the ancient Mesopotamia regions. The second half of the book explores the historical narrative of the Bible, beginning with the Pre-Patriarchal period through Revelation and ending with a special segment on Jerusalem. Readers will see where the patriarchs walked, examine locations of David's wars of expansion, view areas of Jesus's ministry in Galilee, and see where Paul preached. The book contains 200 multidimensional and three-dimensional full-color maps, time lines, and modern photographs that show what the area looks like today. The accompanying text, using the NIV of the Bible, ties in the biblical text as it relates to the maps. VERDICT This easy-to-read text, accompanied by useful and colorful visuals, is geared toward a general readership and parish study groups, who might employ it to gain a better understanding of the geographical and historical context of the biblical passage under study. It is not meant for graduate or seminary students, who will benefit more from the full-length version.--Jacqueline Parascandola, Columbia Univ. Libs., New York

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2014
This slim volume introduces the geography and history of the biblical world with color photographs and maps and accessibly written text. A brief overview of the Middle East's terrain, climate, and trade routes is followed by several chapters that emphasize places and events recorded in the Bible, from the possible locations of the Garden of Eden to the extensive missionary travels of Paul. Although written from a Christian perspective and intended for a Christian audience, the atlas is nevertheless appropriate for theological, academic, and large public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)