Newton's Revised History of Ancient Kingdoms

This was an unexpected gem. As the work of historians starts tending toward revisionism to make their mark, it was refreshing to see a scientist follow the science without regard to well-established norms in a work that is not just controversial, but so well-reasoned that one wonders why it is so obscure now.Do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It is not a quick read, but it is very much worth your time.

Isaac Newton was the first chronological revisionist, in the vein of Velikovsky and Rohl. And, in fact, like Rohl, he makes Sesostris, i.e. Ramesses II, the Shishak of the Bible. Like the Pierce's wonderful edition of James Ussher's work, this work has new appendicies and references and is set in new type. But, but, but... it also suffers from the Pierce's blind and unthinking acceptance of Archbishop Ussher's unimaginative (and mostly erroneous) biblical chronology. This otherwise nifty reprinting of Newton's chronological artifact is marred by the fact that the editors change dates to make it fit their biblical chronology. Thus sentences like this in the introduction: "Newton thought that Saul reigned for only ten years, whereas he reigned for forty. A few dates before Saul's reign were changed accordingly and noted." "[If Newton would only have accepted Ussher's correct chronology, then] he would have seen his error." And so forth. This makes it less a document of Newton's and more a Pierce hobby-horse. Thus, three stars.

Amazing!!! It's a difficult read for us poor state-educated souls, but try to read it; this is revelatory! Even if reading it straight through is a bit challenging, at least get a copy for reference, read the introductory comments, and go to it for insight whenever a subject of ancient history comes up. The connections Newton makes are really amazing, and I can'te believe how much I'm learning about history. My quick advice: read it out loud. It really helps you understand his thought process better! Larry & Marion Pierce, thank you SO MUCH for editing and publishing this work for us. It is wonderful!!!

would be good for a class on history

I love all things history. When I learned Newton's pastime (when he wasn't unlocking scientific mysteries) was history, I just had to get his writings on the subject. It's fascinating.

I loved this book from the first few pages on! Newton is very detailed and thorough in his analysis of ancient kingdom timelines, pointing out fallacies of previous historians and chronologists in regards to their time lines and estimated ages of various kingdoms (for example the pyriamids of Egypt were actually created no later than the 8th century BC, 2000 years younger than most historians believe). I recommend this to anyone serious about history and wanting to learn how relatively new the human civilization actually is.

Loving this book! Very fun to read his notes, he was a clever man! Any true history aficionado will need this book for their collection.

It's amazing how much effort went into the research and writing of this book. It contains so many valuable historical facts to further aid our faith in God's word the Bible. He was meticulous and provides references throughout. Recommended to give you an more rounded view of what really happened during these ancient times.

I will read Nolan's book on the chronology of the Bible first, and then this will make better sense to me!

Exactly what I expected and been looking for.

I did not know Isaac Newton had studied this subject. Delivered on time well packed. Good value.