{"product_id":"the-gifts-of-the-jews-how-a-tribe-of-desert-nomads-changed-the-way-everyone-thinks-and-feels-9780385482493","title":"The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels","description":"\u003cb\u003eNATIONAL BESTSELLER - The author of the runaway bestseller \u003ci\u003eHow the Irish Saved Civilization\u003c\/i\u003e takes us on another \u003cb\u003e\"captivating...persuasive as well as entertaining\"\u003c\/b\u003e journey into history (\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, recreating a time when the actions of a small band of people had repercussions that are still felt today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Gifts of the Jews\u003c\/i\u003e reveals the critical change that made western civilization possible. Within the matrix of ancient religions and philosophies, life was seen as part of an endless cycle of birth and death; time was like a wheel, spinning ceaselessly. Yet somehow, the ancient Jews began to see time differently. For them, time had a beginning and an end; it was a narrative, whose triumphant conclusion would come in the future. From this insight came a new conception of men and women as individuals with unique destinies--a conception that would inform the Declaration of Independence--and our hopeful belief in progress and the sense that tomorrow can be better than today. As Thomas Cahill narrates this momentous shift, he also explains the real significance of such Biblical figures as Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the Pharaoh, Joshua, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFull of compelling stories, insights and humor, \u003ci\u003eThe Gifts of the Jews\u003c\/i\u003e is an irresistible exploration of history as fascinating and fun as \u003ci\u003eHow the Irish Saved Civilization.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHOMAS CAHILL's appealing approach to distant history won the attention of millions of readers in North America and beyond. Cahill is the author of six volumes in the Hinges of History series: \u003ci\u003eHow the Irish Saved Civilization, The Gifts of the Jews, Desire of the Everlasting Hills, Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea, Mysteries of the Middle Ages, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Heretics and Heroes.\u003c\/i\u003e They have been bestsellers not only in the United States but also in countries ranging from Italy to Brazil. He is also the author of \u003ci\u003eA Saint on Death Row\u003c\/i\u003e. He died in 2022.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Anchor Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50642302009618,"sku":"9780385482493","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_4331141e-5b4a-4ee2-a140-3093f1069a2d.jpg?v=1733062439","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-gifts-of-the-jews-how-a-tribe-of-desert-nomads-changed-the-way-everyone-thinks-and-feels-9780385482493","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}