This engaging and even-handed 256-page graphic novel, written by renowned historian Vincent Lemire and illustrated by cartoonist and animator Christophe Gaultier, is an excellent choice for the classroom and for anyone who wants to explore the fascinating story of Jerusalem.

The story of Jerusalem is in many ways the story of the development of Western civilization--religions were born on its streets, famous conquerors laid siege to it, and great empires clashed over it.

Four thousand years ago, Jerusalem was a small, isolated village perched on a ridge line between the Mediterranean and the desert. Today it is a bustling metropolis with almost one million inhabitants, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Considered the cradle of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--the three major monotheistic religions--and a spiritual capital for more than half of humanity, Jerusalem's history gives us a unique perspective into the histories of these different religious identities.

Readers will meet Abraham, King Herod, Empress Helena (the mother of Constantine I), Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, Saladin, Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, General Edmund Allenby, Palestinian nationalist Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni, former Mayor Teddy Kollek, and many other famous people who have helped build the story of Jerusalem.

But it takes many hands to make a city, and the history of the city is the history of the residents who lead lives both great and small within its walls. As Lemire and Gaultier guide us through the lives of Jerusalem's most famous residents, so too do they introduce us to the people, priests, craftsmen, architects, and residents who have built the history of Jerusalem over the last five millennia.