In the first edition of this title by this publisher, the London-residing author of popular works of modern history traces the 1,000-year reign of the some 50 monarchs who sat on the throne of the Jews including less well-known ones in addition to King David, Solomon, and Herod. Gelb organizes chapters by kings of Israel and Judah, Babylonian exile and return, the Hasmonean revolt and monarchs, and the impact of the Romans. His narratives are based primarily on the Tanakh (The Hebrew Bible). The book includes maps, a chronology, and illustrations. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)