This well-researched yet breezily told narrative history of the Jewish people uncovers unusual and often surprising historical details. A concise, provocative, and delightfully readable account. Includes a timeline. A celebrated author takes on the entire sweep of Jewish history. Did you know: Marco Polo followed the Jewish trade route to reach China? Jews created the world's first elementary schoolsystem, teachers' college, and copyright law? The American jury system was invented by EnglishJews--"twelve good men" was originally conceived as six Jews and sixChristians? Everything you ever wanted to know about Jewish history.