Vermes, The True Herod

THE LAST BOOK BY GEZA VERMES:

The True Herod (Bloomsbury)

About The True Herod

Who was Herod the Great? How did he come to govern one of the most politically tumultuous regions in the world? Was he the heartless baby-killer of Matthew's Gospel, or does this popular tale do Herod a great disservice?

Geza Vermes (1924-2013), whose work on the Historical Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls made him one of the most recognisable names in Biblical and Jewish studies, provides an exciting new portrait of Herod. The True Herod examines Herod's controversial legacy as a political leader, a potentate, a man of culture, and an all-round smooth operator. Vermes opens up the fascinating character of Herod, from his sizable and fragile ego to his devastation at the execution of his beloved wife, an execution that Herod ordered himself. Vermes then moves on to consider Herod's greatest legacy and testament: his extensive building works, which includes the Temple in Jerusalem. Vermes's lively prose, combined with extensive colour images, make this new picture of Herod an enticing and informative guide to one of Ancient History's most misunderstood figures.

Background on Professor Vermes is here and links.