The Gifts of the Jews (Hinges of History)

It is very obvious upon reading that this is the work of a well-informed amateur and not the work of a professional scholar. For a much more respectable and intellectually stimulating take on the Western migration from pantheism to monotheism, read Karen Armstrong's "History of God". Unlike Armstrong, Cahill resorts to glittering generalities and obtuse simplicities. There is also a disturbing lack of footnotes in most sections. Furthermore, the central hypothesis of "Gift of the Jews", that the Jews invented individuality and historic time, is too over-arching to be taken at face value. What makes this worse is that Cahill's analysis of other, non-Western, cultures is incredibly cursory. Cahill sets up an underfed strawman in the form of the "cyclical worldview", only to lamely knock it down with the Western-centric feather of processivism. Finally, too much of "Gift of the Jews" is dedicated to a paraphrasing of the events of the Torah; there is very little analysis interspersed between the "Movie of the Week" plot summaries. This book feels rushed and half-done, as if the author were behind on a deadline and needed to put in lots of filler material. On the bright side, it is easy to read, simplistic, and approachable. It is also very sensitive to those of Faith. As such, I can really only recommend this work to those who have never read a tome of religious study before and need something that is inoffensive, easy to swallow, mildly informative, and full of lots spiritual good feelings. For a meatier, more challenging, and, ultimately, more satisfying read, see Armstrong's "History of God".

We do owe so much to the Hebrew people who gave us the 10 Commandments and as a result changed the way we think! Compassion, altruisms, love for God and love for others does not come naturally. This Old Testament people have been faithful to the Word of God and they, as a people, have contributed so much to the world; not only in our view of the world but they have produced doctors, lawyers, scientists-- and the whole world continues to benefit from them.

Eye opening and enjoyable.

AAAAAA++++ STILL LOVE THIS BOOK MANY YEARS AFTER FIRST READING IT!

i have all of the books published by thomas cahill. if you want to know about the subject, read his books

Once again Thomas Cahill explores the idea that a small group of people out of the mainstream can have a powerful effect on history. This time he chooses one of the wandering tribes who never numbered many people and whose history includes more being conquered than conquering others - the Jews. He does a delightful job of presenting old stories in a new light. It is more of a survey than scholarly tome. I do not know if he includes every scholar or the absolute cutting edge of thought, but I do know that this book could lead someone to further and serious study.

I have been looking for this book for a while and just started to read it. It is one of the best books that documents what Jews have been doing for humanity. The title of the book is absolutely right. I recommend this book to anyone, Jewish or not, who wants to know what gifts Jews have been giving to the world for thousands of years, which still continues every day.

it seems to be a short version of the now familiar Anunnaki story. this would be fine for people who want to know about the history of the Sumerian tablets, but not in great detail. and given how much i know in great detail, i can't see this going anywhere that is specific to the Jews, when the story is about the history of all humans on earth.when i run out of other books, i will get back to this one, and it is possible that Cahill can come up with something that will astound me and relate to the Jews specifically. but i am not holding my breath,.

Good book, looking forward to reading it. Service excellent.

Great book.

Excellent