Written by John Drane, a popular and best-selling author, this is a fascinating insight into the background of the Bible - the worlds of Abraham, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Assyria, Greece and Rome. In-depth research and superb writing combined make this an essential book for anyone who wants to fully understand the context of the biblical narrative. It covers thousands of years of history, and includes material on ritual and cultural practices, politics and society, faith, travel, trade, everyday life, and more.