Having read this book several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, I decided a family member would likewise find the history of the Jewish people interesting. I was disappointed to discover it was no longer in print. I bought a used copy for my relative, a paperback copy in good condition. I think he will have a difficult time, though, because the print is so small. This book covers the history of a family of scribes from the fall of the second temple in Jerusalem until the second world war in Europe. While this is a novel, the history of the Jewish culture and the migration of the Jews from country to country over a thousand years bears witness to the terrible trials and indignities they suffered from the Romans to the Nazis. This is a really good book.It's so informative about the history of the time after the 2nd Temple. The story around it (which is based on the authors family history) keeps you reading. I'm reading this to my husband and we absolutely love it.It is the year 3830--aug 31,ad 70--Abraham,Judith,Elijah andGamaliel are forced to leave Jerusalem. Abraham would writethe first history scroll. END--Jan 18 year 1943-5703 Marek's grandfather leaps off a balcony in front of a NAZI tank in the Warsaw Ghetto.1983...Marek Halter has written a 2 thousand year historyof his family.At 782 pages it is one of the longest books I have ever read.He has written the last scroll.You will meet some of the most fascinating characters from allwalks of life. Mostly they were printers,scribes and millers. Allthe good ones and the bad ones.YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It was Huge undertaking.It is a keeper and a re-read. Please do not pass this book up.bbp okc/60s ariesI have read this book three times. It is a wonderful way to see how a small group of people survive to become a nation through the history of one family. I found it both informative and interesting. The first time I read it, I knew very little about the Jewish culture but I still enjoyed it. Since then, having lived among Jews and study the religion and participating now in it, it is so much more meaningful as I read through it again.The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I thought it was going to be about the old testament character of Abraham. Turns out it follow a long lineage that begins a few years after Jesus's life and carries it forward.At first I was apprehensive of the size, and as you read the book, all the generational stories begin to feel repetitive. But maybe it was important to demonstrate the magnitude of survival and suffering. Now two years later since I’ve read the book I can reflect on the history with appreciation. It stayed with me, I think the size of it helped. lolIt jumps from generation to generation over the immense time span covered. Very little character development. Difficult to identify with or care about the people in the story. Reads more like a summary history than historical fiction.perfect condition but it was revised of many stories that are not based on bible. I gave it as a gift instead of keeping itA gift. Enjoyable read.