This is an amazing resource, recommended by a retired p Vicar (who has a vast knowledge of the Holy Land) Can't wait to start using this book!

This famous book has now run into its fifth edition, and eminently deserves its reputation, having been thoroughly updated, with new information and indeed new sites. So much is going on with the study and archaeology of ancient locations that guidebooks become outdated almost before they are published, but this one is unquestionably the best available. O’Connor’s criteria remain the same as they always have been: namely that the sites described have to have Antiquity (i.e. before ad 1700), Accessibility (so that one can reach them by road or, within reason, on foot), and Intelligibility (in other words there must be something to see). As before, the book is divided into two unequal halves – the City of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel with the West Bank. Locations in Jerusalem are arranged geographically, those in the Land alphabetically. As well as the Individual Sites, there are paragraphs on General Areas, Specific Subjects, and Social Groups. Quotations abound from original authorities especially Pritchard’s Ancient Near Eastern Texts, Josephus’ Jewish War, Egeria’s Travels and various Byzantine and Crusader pilgrims, as well as a few Muslim historians and, of course, the Bible. A very useful section on Practicalities includes advice on Travel, Opening Hours, National Parks, Dress and Hiking. The Text itself has been greatly expanded to take account of new discoveries and revised theories in the light of recent investigations and artefacts. Of the new and developed sites, the most important in Jerusalem itself include the excavations at the Damascus gate, the Herodian Houses in the Jewish Quarter, the Nea Church of Justinian, the Southwest corner of the Temple Mount excavations, and the Acropolis of the City of David (Mount Ophel). Elsewhere, the great expansions at Ashkelon, Banyas (Caesarea Philippi), Bet Shean, Caesarea, En Gedi, Hazor, Mount Gerizim, Sepphoris and the Crusader and Ottoman Castles at Yehiam. All in all, this is a “must have” guide both for the traveller and the student, and helps both to keep up to date with the often bewildering pace of discoveries in this extraordinary land, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, divided yet holy, war-torn yet a symbol of peace, cruel and violent yet proclaiming justice and truth.