WORLDS LOST AND FOUND

Thirteen essays deal with archaeological excavations in the Near East. While these stories are factual, they have at least two of the qualities of good fiction -- the excitements of mystery and discovery. For readers who have been introduced to Ancient History and especially for those who know their Bible. there is the added appeal of learning more about the already familiar. The discoveries are described in chronological order and discussed for their relative importance in recorded history and the methods of investigation employed, which go from chance discovery to teams of underwater experts at Lake Tiberias. The essential role of the translation of the Rosetta Stone is followed by an excellent introduction to the decipherment of lost languages. The remaining chapters cover individual sites. Dr. Eisenberg, who wrote the well reviewed Voices from the Past, has as co-author a teacher who visited the places discussed--Megiddo, Caesarea, Gibeon, Jerusalem, etc.