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"Jerusalem" by Simon Sebag Montefiore

book review by Riley Burnham 8/23/2023

well... wow(!!) comprehensive

this book covers the history of Jerusalem from very old to very recent; complete w/ explanations of competing factions, religions, etc.

we learn of the variety of gates & holy sites within the walls; that other countries have tried to create Zion [or the equivalent] elsewhere; that Jerusalem is considered central terrestrially as well as celestially...

a stand-out portion was the description of the 1900s when the jazz age & 'boom' happen, bringing stylistic life & big money/extravagance to the previously semi-humble city

​​​​​​​we hear of Rockefellers & hotels & foreign princes... we hear of lavishes

so ultimately, my takeaway is that Jerusalem is a key city to Judaism [of course], Christianity, Islam, & most religions as a place to visit/see, w/ traditions of old maintained today & modern culture keeping it constantly moving/changing/shaping

​​​​​​​would like to visit, hehehe