A popular history of Jerusalem by the author of "A History of God." Armstrong tackles big subjects -- and this book is no exception: a comprehensive, concise portrait of the city over the last 5,000 years written with the traveler in mind. She appreciates the unique hold of this sacred city on all three faiths. A member of the Association of Muslim Social Services in Jerusalem, she's a former Roman Catholic nun who teaches Judaism. With site diagrams, maps and some illustrations.  (ISR10, $18.00)

Israel