Rupert Furneaux (1908–1981)

The enigmas of history have spawned theories, either scientifically based or plain conjecture. In Ancient Mysteries, Rupert Furneaux attempted to answer timeless questions covering the world through the use of science.

Furneaux covered over 30 “mysteries” that covered such subjects as Atlantis, several monumental architectural structures around the world, Biblical mysteries, several ethnic groups and cultures, mysteries centered in Britain and the Americas, hoaxes, and “soon-to-be” 21st-century enigmas. Through all of them Furneaux attempts to give a description of why the topic in question is a mystery and then over the history of theories before giving as “definite” answer as possible.

Unfortunately for this book, Furneaux used scientific conclusions 20 years old by the time the book was published which are even more out-of-date today. Yet, not all of his answers were based on science through they were not far out theories which he pretty much attempted to dismiss as much as possible. For several topics, Furneaux attempted to straddle the line between “scientific consensus” and far-out theories, so mixed success at best and just plain bad at worst.

The background information Furneaux gives for each of the topics he writes about, though definitely not up-to-date, is the best part of the book. However, the out-of-date science, the occasional stretch of the science that Furneaux, and sometimes condescending tone the author uses in some topics makes he want to caution people away from this unless they are really well read in history.… (meer)

I do not know why everyone was so excited about the recent book Zealot. (OK I do--he was not a Christian carping from within). The Roman Siege of Jerusalem said the same things years before, cited the same sources (lots of Josephus) and because it was written by a military historian it has some nifty details, like the shape of helmets the Romans wore, how far they could throw their lances and the way they did troop movements. The Jewish zealot and moderate leaders are shown bumping each other off when the Romans were at the gate. Jesus' brother James, who ran things Christian-wise until he got offed in the Roman conquest, is big in the book. And Ballsy Paul who reinvented Christianity is in there too. The whole gang. Plus some great tactics to use when a bunch of rebels is hiding in an impregnable fortress.… (meer)