From Theodor Herzl's efforts to establish a sovereign Jewish nation in Palestine to the 21st-century roadmap for peace and beyond, this is an exploration of Israel's history.

In the wake of the Holocaust, the State of Israel came into being as a homeland for all Jews. Since then, five wars have tested Israel s ability to survive, and influxes of emigrants enhanced the country s culture yet strained its social fabric. Now, as Israel celebrates 70 years of independence, the nation s fascinating story is told by renowned historian Martin Gilbert, complete with images of important historical documents.