A HISTORY OF PALESTINE FROM 135 A.D. TO MODERN TIMES

A HISTORY OF PALESTINE FROM 135 A.D. TO MODERN TIMES
Author: James Parkes
Publisher: Victor Gollancz
Edition: First Edition, 1949
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 390
Size: 5 inch × 8.5 inch

James Parkes’ A History of Palestine from 135 A.D. to Modern Times is a landmark work of historical scholarship that sheds light on the multifaceted and often tumultuous journey of Palestine through centuries of transformation. Starting from the aftermath of the Bar Kokhba revolt, when Jewish autonomy in the region was decisively crushed by the Roman Empire, Parkes meticulously documents the succession of empires, communities, and ideologies that have shaped the land and its people.

With a careful and balanced hand, Parkes delves into the shifting dynamics of power as Palestine passed through Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader, Ottoman, and British rule. He unpacks the complex interplay of religious identities, especially Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, offering readers a nuanced understanding of how these spiritual traditions influenced not just theology but governance, education, and everyday life.

Parkes, a noted historian and theologian, was deeply engaged with interfaith dialogue and sought to present an honest yet empathetic portrayal of the peoples of Palestine. His work is especially notable for contextualizing the roots of the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a long continuum of social, economic, and geopolitical changes. The narrative also pays close attention to migrations, trade routes, and the impact of European colonial interests in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The first edition, published in 1949 by Victor Gollancz, arrives at a critical historical moment—just one year after the establishment of the state of Israel and in the wake of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Parkes’ insights from this pivotal juncture add both immediacy and depth to the later chapters, making the book as timely as it is timeless.

Bound in a sturdy hardcover format and measuring 5 by 8.5 inches, this 390-page volume is ideal for historians, students of Middle Eastern affairs, political scientists, and anyone seeking a deep, historically grounded understanding of the region. Parkes’ balanced approach and erudition make this an enduring reference in any serious historical collection.

• Comprehensive historical account from 135 A.D. to mid-20th century

• Written by renowned historian and interfaith scholar James Parkes

• Traces the religious, political, and cultural evolution of Palestine

• First edition, published in 1949 during a transformative period

• Essential for students of Middle Eastern history, theology, and geopolitics