By
– January 11, 2012
Mediterranean Passages is a rich collection of texts and images based on the premise that the great sea has been the center for the emergence of our three monotheisms and for the history of the area throughout the ages.
The editors, Duke professor miriam cooke (she prefers lower case), and two other Near Eastern scholars, prepared the compilation primarily as a source for interdisciplinary academic work.
The ordinary household, too, will find it rewarding, casual reading of high quality, and it is of particular interest to travelers.
Most important Jewish issues, from the Bible to the founding of Israel, are covered, though, necessarily, rather briefly.
As to Dr. Cooke’s reputation in some circles for excess partisanship on behalf of Arab women (seven of her ten books were on that subject), no such bias appears in this volume. Historical maps, index, preface, table of thematic content, reproductions of objects and paintings, suggestions for further reading.
Jane Wallerstein worked in public relations for many years. She is the author of Voices from the Paterson Silk Mills and co-author of a national criminal justice study of parole for Rutgers University.
