The Jewish War

by Josephus
The Jewish War cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7943
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780140444209
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 1981-09-17
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Jewish War is a gripping account of the Jewish revolt against Rome in A.D. 66, as told by the eyewitness historian Flavius Josephus. This unabridged audiobook, complete with music and sound effects, offers a vivid and immersive experience of the conflict that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of the Jewish state. Volume 1 explores the origins of the conflict, the rise and fall of Herod the Great, and the political and religious tensions that led to the revolt. Volume 2 delves into the brutal siege of Jerusalem and the final stand at Masada, providing a harrowing and unforgettable narrative of one of history's most significant events. This audiobook is not just a historical account but also a profound exploration of human nature, fanaticism, and the consequences of war. Josephus's prose is beautifully written and clearly understood, making it accessible to modern listeners. The inclusion of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Pontius Pilate adds depth and context to the story, while the dramatic sound effects and music enhance the listening experience.

Reviews
Tim Robson's Blog · Tim Robson · 2024-01-28
insightful 4.50

The book provides a detailed account of the Jewish rebellion against Rome, highlighting the complexities and brutalities of the conflict. The author's personal journey adds a unique perspective to the historical narrative.

Tim Robson's review delves into the intricate details of Josephus' account of the Jewish War. He appreciates the vivid and evocative descriptions of the conflict, which bring the historical events to life. Robson also highlights the author's personal journey, from being a Jewish priest and rebel general to switching sides, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The review suggests that the book is a valuable resource for understanding the political and social dynamics of the time, as well as the personal struggles of those involved.

Quick quotes

    Josephus' account is a superbly detailed and evocative record of the Jewish rebellion against Rome.

    The author's personal journey adds a unique perspective to the historical narrative.

    The book is a valuable resource for understanding the political and social dynamics of the time.

The Jewish Chronicle · Mark Edwards · 2019-11-22
scholarly 4.25

The review praises the thorough and scholarly approach taken by Martin Goodman in his book on Josephus' 'The Jewish War'. It is noted as a fine and erudite work that offers a deep understanding of the book's historical context and reception.

Mark Edwards' review in The Jewish Chronicle highlights the comprehensive and scholarly nature of Martin Goodman's book on Josephus' 'The Jewish War'. Edwards appreciates the thorough exploration of the historical context and the reception of the book, noting that Goodman's work is both fine and erudite. The review suggests that the book provides a deep understanding of the events and the personal struggles of those involved, making it a valuable resource for historians and readers interested in the period.

Quick quotes

    Professor Martin Goodman's fine, erudite Josephus's 'The Jewish War' offers a thorough, scholarly history of that book, its reception, its impact.

    The book provides a deep understanding of the events and the personal struggles of those involved.

    A valuable resource for historians and readers interested in the period.

Classics For All · 2017-04-21
comprehensive 4.00

The review highlights the book as the most comprehensive guide to the causes and events of the Jewish War. It is praised for its detailed and evocative account of the conflict.

The review from Classics For All emphasizes the book's role as the most comprehensive guide to the causes and events of the Jewish War. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and evocative account of the conflict, which provides a vivid picture of the historical events. The review suggests that the book is an essential resource for understanding the complexities of the war and the personal struggles of those involved. The reviewer also notes the book's enduring relevance and its impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Quick quotes

    Our most comprehensive guide to the causes and events which led to this catastrophic outcome is the work in Greek by Josephus, known as The Jewish War.

    The book provides a vivid picture of the historical events.

    An essential resource for understanding the complexities of the war and the personal struggles of those involved.

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