Johnson explores the Jewish people's contributions to civilization, their resilience in the face of persecution, and their influence on global history.
Unlike some academic treatments of Jewish history, the book is written for a general audience, balancing scholarly research with engaging storytelling.
HarperCollins, the publisher, describes the book as a "comprehensive 4,000-year survey" of Jewish history, emphasizing its role as a national bestseller.
He emphasized that the Jewish people’s resilience, innovation, and moral contributions have shaped global history in profound ways.
"[3] His perspective contrasts with many secular historians, as he attributes Jewish survival and influence to a strong sense of purpose and ethical values.