An Illustrated Guide to the Holy Land for Tour Groups, Students, and Pilgrims, by Lamontte M. Luker

This pocket-size book is a good aid for anyone visiting the sites in Israel and the West Bank with biblical significance. Luker, a professor of the Hebrew scriptures at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, acknowledges that the current political situation in the area is fraught with minefields. He suggests additional resources for preparing for a trip to the Middle East, including Palestinian perspectives. The guidebook is organized regionally, from the north to the south. Biblical background and references are noted for each site, and Luker adds archaeological commentary. “Must see” locations are starred. The table of contents is good, but an index is lacking. Two maps of the territory are included.