This is one of the worst texts on this subject that I have had the unfortunate circumstance to waste time reading. The author's premise is historically wrong from the outset, relying on outdated information and even older theories of Jewish history. Just because it is well written (and it is) does not mean that the actual hypothesis is sound - it most defintely is not. This is, however, an excellent text illustrating what has become an alarming trend withiin written history that is long on personal agenda and extremely short on fact.Avoid at all cost - especially since the book is so expensive!