Publishers Weekly
12/14/2015
This concise volume documents the little-known story of Moses Wilhelm Shapira, a discredited antiquities treasure hunter who, in 1883, made an amazing announcement. He claimed to have obtained several scrolls that contain a very early version of the book of Deuteronomy, authenticated as dating back to the time of Moses. Such a discovery, if genuine, would revolutionize biblical studies. Scholars have denied Mosaic authorship of this fifth book of the Pentateuch. And although these scrolls do not contain the complete book of Deuteronomy as contained in our modern Bibles, such a discovery would cause a major reconsideration of Mosaic authorship. The subsequent discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls caused scholars to reexamine Shapira’s scrolls. Journalist Tigay takes us through the story of Shapira’s shame, his discovery, and his suicide, tracing each step of this complex and curious story across Europe and through the Middle East. In the end, Tigay offers a dynamic and satisfying account of a strange, remarkable man whose discovery could turn the world of biblical scholarship on its head. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Extremely enjoyable. . . . It will delight anyone who finds religion or its history even remotely arresting. At once a mystery and a historical yarn, Mr. Tigay’s book is also a reminder that humor and a real sense of fun can enliven a serious piece of work.” — Wall Street Journal
“A rollicking tale all its own, The Lost Book of Moses is a page-turning adventure that will engross proof-seeking readers everywhere.” — San Francisco Chroncile
“The heart of Tigay’s book is a gripping account of his quest… This admirably researched book offers a fine occasion to understand Shapira as a product of a modern fetish for authenticity and a rivalry between European nation-states obsessed not just with colonial expansion but with their own origins.” — Haaretz
“Tigay’s fascination with this obscure mystery is infectious, and his writing is crisp and lively. Tigay keeps the reader in suspense until the very end… Indeed, John Le Carré would be hard pressed to devise such a tantalizing mystery or a more complex leading man.” — Christian Science Monitor
“Tigay has constructed a thrilling and suspenseful true story of lost antiquities and intrepid modern investigations, managing to mine this tale for realistic entertainment more worthy of Indiana Jones than most Raiders sequels… This book’s reality puts such fictions as Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code to shame.” — Winnipeg Free Press
“Not only does [Tigay] solve the mystery of the scrolls, he also develops a deeper acquaintance with Shapira, who turns out to have been a remarkable character. It is fair to say that Shapira left a complicated legacy, and that the indefatigable Tigay gives it its due.” — The Forward
“Tigay’s narration, juxtaposed against Shapira’s life and times, is as much a personal journey as it is a quest for an artifact; getting to know him is almost as interesting as learning about Shapira. Readers captivated by the romance of biblical archaeology will find much fascinating material here.” — Booklist
“A dynamic and satisfying account of a strange, remarkable man whose discovery could turn the world of biblical scholarship on its head.” — Publishers Weekly
“an intriguing and wide-ranging tale. . . . A work of broad appeal, for the history buff and mystery lover alike. — Kirkus (starred review)
“Chanan Tigay has written a delight of a book—a mysterious treasure, an ossuary of Abrahamic secrets that surfaced once and disappeared. Tigay takes us on a gripping personal quest and plunges into the uncertainties of ancient scripture and a tour of the murky underworld of artifact thieves, forgers, and traders.” — T. J. Stiles, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and author of Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America
“Who would have thought that this tale of manuscripts, scrolls and notebooks could be such an engrossing one? Chanan Tigay tells a good story, and evokes the characters at its center to bring a fascinating piece of history to life.” — Adam Hochschild, finalist for the National Book Award and author of King Leopold's Ghost and To End All Wars
“A enthralling historical mystery. . . . Tigay unfolds a compelling narrative of passions, delusions, deceptions and death, an epic of frailties and faith worthy of the Old Testament itself. The Lost Book of Moses marks the auspicious debut of an assured researcher and gifted storyteller. ” — Jason Roberts, National Book Critics Circle Finalist, A Sense of the World
“The Lost Book of Moses is masterfully told, shot through with wit and insight and infused with deep knowledge of Biblical scripture. This book will appeal not only to enthusiasts of antiquity and the birth of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but to all who love a well-crafted mystery.” — Scott Wallace, author of The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes
“In The Lost Book of Moses, Chanan Tigay takes a fascinating headfirst dive into a cadre of obsessives pursuing a lost treasure linked to one of the great, elusive, and possibly criminal figures of early biblical archaeology. Years of international detective work have produced a saga of faith and fraud.” — Matti Friedman, author of The Aleppo Codex
“Chanan Tigay writes with the grand historical perspective of Erik Larson, the addictive storytelling of Simon Winchester, and the penetrating insight of Sebastian Junger. The Lost Book of Moses is an amazing story told by a writer of formidable talent.” — Justin St. Germain, author of Son of a Gun
“With the skill and awareness of a Conan Doyle we are taken on a journey by a master storyteller that turns a historical investigation into a detective yarn. Narrative artistry magnifies it, and like so many investigative stories the answers were hiding all along in plain sight. ” — Lowell Bergman, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, producer/correspondent for PBS Frontline, and former 60 Minutes producer.
Booklist
Tigay’s narration, juxtaposed against Shapira’s life and times, is as much a personal journey as it is a quest for an artifact; getting to know him is almost as interesting as learning about Shapira. Readers captivated by the romance of biblical archaeology will find much fascinating material here.
Wall Street Journal
Extremely enjoyable. . . . It will delight anyone who finds religion or its history even remotely arresting. At once a mystery and a historical yarn, Mr. Tigay’s book is also a reminder that humor and a real sense of fun can enliven a serious piece of work.
The Forward
Not only does [Tigay] solve the mystery of the scrolls, he also develops a deeper acquaintance with Shapira, who turns out to have been a remarkable character. It is fair to say that Shapira left a complicated legacy, and that the indefatigable Tigay gives it its due.
Winnipeg Free Press
Tigay has constructed a thrilling and suspenseful true story of lost antiquities and intrepid modern investigations, managing to mine this tale for realistic entertainment more worthy of Indiana Jones than most Raiders sequels… This book’s reality puts such fictions as Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code to shame.
T. J. Stiles
Chanan Tigay has written a delight of a book—a mysterious treasure, an ossuary of Abrahamic secrets that surfaced once and disappeared. Tigay takes us on a gripping personal quest and plunges into the uncertainties of ancient scripture and a tour of the murky underworld of artifact thieves, forgers, and traders.
San Francisco Chroncile
A rollicking tale all its own, The Lost Book of Moses is a page-turning adventure that will engross proof-seeking readers everywhere.
Christian Science Monitor
Tigay’s fascination with this obscure mystery is infectious, and his writing is crisp and lively. Tigay keeps the reader in suspense until the very end… Indeed, John Le Carré would be hard pressed to devise such a tantalizing mystery or a more complex leading man.
Haaretz
The heart of Tigay’s book is a gripping account of his quest… This admirably researched book offers a fine occasion to understand Shapira as a product of a modern fetish for authenticity and a rivalry between European nation-states obsessed not just with colonial expansion but with their own origins.
Lowell Bergman
With the skill and awareness of a Conan Doyle we are taken on a journey by a master storyteller that turns a historical investigation into a detective yarn. Narrative artistry magnifies it, and like so many investigative stories the answers were hiding all along in plain sight.
Justin St. Germain
Chanan Tigay writes with the grand historical perspective of Erik Larson, the addictive storytelling of Simon Winchester, and the penetrating insight of Sebastian Junger. The Lost Book of Moses is an amazing story told by a writer of formidable talent.
Jason Roberts
A enthralling historical mystery. . . . Tigay unfolds a compelling narrative of passions, delusions, deceptions and death, an epic of frailties and faith worthy of the Old Testament itself. The Lost Book of Moses marks the auspicious debut of an assured researcher and gifted storyteller.
Matti Friedman
In The Lost Book of Moses, Chanan Tigay takes a fascinating headfirst dive into a cadre of obsessives pursuing a lost treasure linked to one of the great, elusive, and possibly criminal figures of early biblical archaeology. Years of international detective work have produced a saga of faith and fraud.
Adam Hochschild
Who would have thought that this tale of manuscripts, scrolls and notebooks could be such an engrossing one? Chanan Tigay tells a good story, and evokes the characters at its center to bring a fascinating piece of history to life.
Scott Wallace
The Lost Book of Moses is masterfully told, shot through with wit and insight and infused with deep knowledge of Biblical scripture. This book will appeal not only to enthusiasts of antiquity and the birth of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but to all who love a well-crafted mystery.
Wall Street Journal
Extremely enjoyable. . . . It will delight anyone who finds religion or its history even remotely arresting. At once a mystery and a historical yarn, Mr. Tigay’s book is also a reminder that humor and a real sense of fun can enliven a serious piece of work.
Justin St. Germain
Chanan Tigay writes with the grand historical perspective of Erik Larson, the addictive storytelling of Simon Winchester, and the penetrating insight of Sebastian Junger. The Lost Book of Moses is an amazing story told by a writer of formidable talent.
Matti Friedman
In The Lost Book of Moses, Chanan Tigay takes a fascinating headfirst dive into a cadre of obsessives pursuing a lost treasure linked to one of the great, elusive, and possibly criminal figures of early biblical archaeology. Years of international detective work have produced a saga of faith and fraud.
Winnipeg Free Press
Tigay has constructed a thrilling and suspenseful true story of lost antiquities and intrepid modern investigations, managing to mine this tale for realistic entertainment more worthy of Indiana Jones than most Raiders sequels… This book’s reality puts such fictions as Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code to shame.
Scott Wallace
The Lost Book of Moses is masterfully told, shot through with wit and insight and infused with deep knowledge of Biblical scripture. This book will appeal not only to enthusiasts of antiquity and the birth of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but to all who love a well-crafted mystery.
T. J. Stiles
Chanan Tigay has written a delight of a book—a mysterious treasure, an ossuary of Abrahamic secrets that surfaced once and disappeared. Tigay takes us on a gripping personal quest and plunges into the uncertainties of ancient scripture and a tour of the murky underworld of artifact thieves, forgers, and traders.
San Francisco Chroncile
A rollicking tale all its own, The Lost Book of Moses is a page-turning adventure that will engross proof-seeking readers everywhere.
Adam Hochschild
Who would have thought that this tale of manuscripts, scrolls and notebooks could be such an engrossing one? Chanan Tigay tells a good story, and evokes the characters at its center to bring a fascinating piece of history to life.
Lowell Bergman
With the skill and awareness of a Conan Doyle we are taken on a journey by a master storyteller that turns a historical investigation into a detective yarn. Narrative artistry magnifies it, and like so many investigative stories the answers were hiding all along in plain sight.
Booklist
Tigay’s narration, juxtaposed against Shapira’s life and times, is as much a personal journey as it is a quest for an artifact; getting to know him is almost as interesting as learning about Shapira. Readers captivated by the romance of biblical archaeology will find much fascinating material here.
Wall Street Journal
Extremely enjoyable. . . . It will delight anyone who finds religion or its history even remotely arresting. At once a mystery and a historical yarn, Mr. Tigay’s book is also a reminder that humor and a real sense of fun can enliven a serious piece of work.
Jason Roberts
A enthralling historical mystery. . . . Tigay unfolds a compelling narrative of passions, delusions, deceptions and death, an epic of frailties and faith worthy of the Old Testament itself. The Lost Book of Moses marks the auspicious debut of an assured researcher and gifted storyteller.
From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY
"A work of broad appeal, for the history buff and mystery lover alike." —Kirkus Starred Review
Library Journal
03/01/2016
In this chronicle that reads like a historical mystery, journalist Tigay follows the life of Jerusalem-based antiquities dealer Moses Wilhelm Shapira (1830–84), a purveyor of fake biblical artifacts who claimed to have found the world's oldest Bible. The author traces Shapira's trail across countries in Europe, then Australia and Israel in an effort to locate the ancient scrolls. Ultimately accused of forging the documents, Shapira fled to the Netherlands, where he later committed suicide. Following the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, scholars wanted to compare both sets of scriptures but were unable to locate Shapira's collection. In this globe-trotting narrative, Tigay's talents for tracking down Shapira's scrolls and verifying them as inauthentic makes for a wonderfully entertaining read and places the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls in historical context. VERDICT Readers who enjoy archaeology, history of archaeology, or unsolved mysteries will find much to enjoy in this well-written work that will keep readers' attention to the final pages.—John Dockall, Austin, TX
JUNE 2016 - AudioFile
Sometimes an author can succeed as a narrator. Tigay’s enthusiasm for his subject certainly bubbles through. But authors are not usually professional readers. And Tigay sometimes reads too rapidly. His grasp of the relevant languages is a big plus, however. The mysteries he writes about embrace far-off locations on several continents; it’s hard to click the “off” button. In the latter part of the 1800s, an antiquities bookseller named Moses Shapira, headquartered in Jerusalem, discovered fragments of the Book of Deuteronomy, the earliest version ever found. Or were they forgeries? Not long afterwards, the Dead Sea Scrolls were uncovered. Similar circumstances? And where are Shapira’s fragments now? The obsessed author finds out. This is a fine real-life mystery. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2015-12-08
The search for the world's oldest biblical manuscript. In an intriguing and wide-ranging tale, journalist Tigay takes readers along on a mystery spanning two centuries and four continents. The author, son of a Hebrew scholar, became fascinated with the story of Moses Wilhelm Shapira, a Jewish-born Christian convert who dealt in antiquities and was briefly one of the most famous men in England. Prior to his suicide in 1884, Shapira had claimed to have procured an original copy of the book of Deuteronomy, a find that was poised to shake the foundations of biblical scholarship. However, accusations that the document was forged led Shapira to disappear and, eventually, take his own life. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls several decades later renewed the possibility that Shapira's scrolls were real; but by then, they were lost. Tigay is the latest in a line of scholars and adventurers intent on discovering more about Shapira and, if possible, his mysterious scrolls. The author succeeds in weaving two stories together: the tale of Shapira's life, career, and downfall and his own search for the scrolls. Both are arresting. Shapira's tragic tale, painstakingly reconstructed, is touching and informative. "No matter how far Shapira had come or how high he had climbed…the world he had so strived to impress and in which he had tried so desperately to fit still saw him as a tricky little Jew from Poland," writes the author. His own tale concerning his dogged search for the manuscript builds satisfying drama. He takes readers along on forays into quaint museums, aging archives, libraries of all sizes, private homes, and even the unoccupied space where Shapira took his own life. In the end, Tigay found what he was looking for, though not as he expected. Beyond that, he also came to know Shapira as a human being, not simply as a shadowy figure from the past. A work of broad appeal, for the history buff and mystery lover alike.
