The narratives by Josephus' (37-100) have become the indispensable source for all scholarly study of Judea from about 200 BCE to 75 CE, being the only comprehensive and connected account of the period. He had the leisure to write, though perhaps not as easy access to information from his fellow Jews as he might have hoped for. He was leading part of the defense of Galilee during the early part of the war against Rome, and surrendered under circumstances that would furnish grounds for endless accusations. He spent the rest of his life comfortably in Rome writing about Judean history and culture, the war, and his own career. The commentary to the translation is footnoted. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)