Masada

Waldman (The Golden City) returns to Israel for this tribute to the legendary citadel, encompassing over 2000 years of history. A towering fortress built on a rock plateau in what is now the Negev desert, Masada was the last remaining Jewish stronghold in the Holy Land until it fell to the Romans in 73 C.E. In a frankly partisan approach, the author traces the history of Masada, built by Herod in the first century B.C.E., to the Masada Archaeological Expedition of 1963. Waldman is most compelling when he recreates pivotal scenes in detail, such as the last stand of the Zealots as they attempt to ward off the Romans from Masada. Unfortunately, readers may find much of the history confusing, as important figures are mentioned offhandedly (for example, six brief paragraphs cover Josephus Flavius; yet Flavius, a Jewish leader who joined the Romans, is later cited as the author of the pivotal account that led to the rediscovery of Masada in the 19th century), and obvious omissions may prove troubling to readers (e.g., in the opening chapter, set in Jerusalem in 66 C.E., hundreds of persecuted Jews hang from wooden crosses, yet there is not even a passing reference to Christ and his followers). The most vexing gap occurs when the text mentions ""Israel's greatest archaeologist, Yigael Yadin,"" in a chapter set in 1838, then leaps ahead to Yadin's expedition in 1963. More successful is Waldman's use of halftone paintings, which effectively convey a feeling of antiquity as well as the austerity and drama of the desert landscape. While this history may pique readers' interest in the controversial fortress, they may well walk away from this book with more questions than answers. Ages 10-up. (Aug.)