The lectures of Dr. David Neiman (1921-2004) sparkle with a rare combination of features. They are original and scholarly yet of keen interest to the non-specialist. Dr.Neiman had the uncommon ability to relate life in antiquity to a modern audience. Dr. Neiman knew the script, the language and content of the cuneiform tablets as well as the Hebrew original of the Old Testament. Most importantly, Dr. Neiman demonstrated how engaging the story of mankind really is regardless of the age or the intellectual and religious atmosphere.