In History of the Jews, Heinrich Graetz examines the origins and ascent of Judaism and the Jewish people in ancient times. Graetz's sources include the holy ancient texts and the surviving historical manuscripts of the period in which Judaism commenced and grew in terms of both its adherents and regional influence. Researching the subject meticulously, Graetz produces an evocative and readable account of the Jewish peoples from the earliest times. Figures such as King David, King Solomon, the Prophet Elijah, to name but a few, receive extensive biographic retelling of their roles in Jewish society. This edition of Graetz's History of the Jews contains his original notes, appended at the conclusion of the volume.