Originally published in 1998, this book seeks to give the non-specialist an introduction to the history of the Ancient Near East as illustrated by archaeological finds. As such, it helps to rescue the Old Testament from being an all too remote text and gives a broad context for what can be found within its pages. The book has ample illustrations, photographs and maps with the chapters being ordered chronologically after some introductory material. The overall ethos of the book is conservative and some may baulk at the dates given to events. The Old Testament text is used as the primary source with archaeological finds taking a supporting role. It is fair to say that this is not an archaeological textbook, nor one which readers having a liberal theology will find comfortable. Having said all that, this book remains a useful one for anyone interested in the Old Testament and the wealth of charts and illustrations are welcome. It would be most useful read alongside other Old Testament introductions if one is seeking a balanced overview of the scholarship in the field.