The Story of Masada

Plot

This 1969 Random house publication is a simplified re-telling of Yigael Yadin's previous book, "Masada." This version is labeled "for young readers" (junior high reading level, I'd say.) It tells the story of the famous siege at Masada in well-written language, along with an account of the Yadin expedition that dug the archaeological site. The account given by historian Josephus is compared with the findings at Masada itself as the story progresses. Surprisngly, Josephus proves to be far more accurate than was previously thought. The book is copiously illustrated with black and white photographs of the artifacts and the archaologists who found them, along with models and classical art depicting Roman soldiers, buildings, etc. (What I found amazing was that so many artifacts had survived the centuries undisturbed -- right down to the skeleton of what may have been the last Zealot soldier. Totally amazing!) A very nice book and a good introduction to archaology for Jews and gentiles alike.