An exciting and unusual book! I was drawn to it for the history and literature, but I learned a lot about the Bible too. The authors, Archie W N Roy and Margaret P Roy, have collected together the facts known about King Solomon into one carefully-researched and well-written book covering the rise of his famous empire followed by its fall and dissolution. The book also examines the ancient king's lasting legacy. From the very start of the book, I found the shadowy Iron Age King of Israel coming to life on the page. The book has some striking innovative features. For example, Chapter 10, ‘A Walk Through the Temple’ by Archie Roy is an enjoyable, imaginary guided tour of the Temple as it would have been in Solomon’s time. Later on, in Chapters 36 to 45, Archie Roy links modern Israel and its dilemmas back to Solomon’s time. Also, in Chapter 19, Margaret Roy uses her experience as a care worker to comment on the texts about the ailing Solomon in 'Ecclesiastes'. Care workers don’t normally have a role in academic books but the issues affect us all. All these examples help to bring the text alive for modern readers and show the relevance of Solomon to the present day. Regarding the 'Song of Solomon' or 'Song of Songs', the authors favour the new interpretation that it is about a marriage made by Solomon with a woman he loves. As we don’t fully understand this song/poem, it was good to read the other interpretations, including that it was an allegory referring to the love of Christ for his Church. Another view finds a different couple mentioned in the poem/song. These ideas are all part of the Song’s history and allow people to take it at the level that suits them. I have wondered myself if it was meant to be acted on a stage? Or was it based on an ancient Hebrew marriage song updated by Solomon? Solomon’s fall is generally put down to the influence of alien gods brought in by his foreign wives and concubines. In trying to maintain his empire and trading routes, he faced a very difficult balancing act to keep it all stable. Solomon believed his life was futile. I find that sad considering the good that he did. After all, how many of today's rulers or writers will still be remembered and talked about in 3,000 years time? All in all, this is a very thought-provoking and immensely enjoyable read with something in it to interest everyone.