Phoenicians book

Phoenicians: Lebanon’s Epic Heritage

The mysterious Phoenicians and the ancient Mediterranean are experienced in richer detail than ever before in this well researched and intriguing narrative. Instead of seeing darkness in the years before classical Greece, we now see glimmers of light revealing a continuous parade of remarkable societies, great leaders and epic events. Drawing back the veil of secrecy surrounding the Phoenicians uncovers new glimpses of Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and people of other societies. It is a walk through the idyllic ancient Mediterranean you will long remember.

Elissa Dido in legend and myth

David Northrup, Ph.D. says:

“Thoroughly researched and clearly written…a welcome addition to all libraries.

“Popular accounts of the Phoenicians are rarely coherent and comprehensive. Sanford Holst’s survey of the rise and fall of the Phoenicians is a splendid exception.

“The author’s clear prose should make the story attractive even to beginning students of the ancient world. The book’s many illustrations and maps add to its appeal.”

Henry Zeiter adds:

“This is an excellent book about a great civilization, the ancestors of the alphabet and navigation, and of the Lebanese People. I could identify every nuance of the Lebanese character with Holst’s description of the Phoenicians.”

Author of this Phoenicians book

Sanford Holst is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Phoenicians, and appears in the BBC series Ancient Worlds. Holst has presented academic papers on the Phoenicians at universities around the world, and is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in London. His degrees from MIT and UCLA enabled him to expand on existing knowledge of the Phoenicians by pursuing intensive field work in countries ranging from Lebanon and Egypt to Greece and Morocco. Working with respected experts, often on-site, he has added photos, sources, and ten years of additional research to his previous work. He now shares those insights in readily understandable documentaries, talks and books.  

See Phoenicians: Lebanon’s Epic Heritage here.

Judge James Kaddo: 

“A well written, historically accurate book about a great civilization which has been by-passed by the annals of history. I have given many copies to my friends and they have found it equally enjoyable.”

Dany Chalhoub:

“There are few history books so compelling as to leave you wanting to read more. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Mr. Holst has done a phenomenal job in writing as well as researching the Phoenicians. I have read other books about Phoenicians in the past and was never really impressed. This one has a special way of pulling everything together so that their accomplishments make sense.” 

Rita G:

“The other fascinating thing about this book is that the qualities that the Phoenicians demonstrated in the ancient world are still instilled in the Lebanese in the modern world. Even today, Lebanese around the world are committed to family, faith and relationships. They are highly independent, resilient, determined, generous and gracious. They value fairness, freedom and caring about others. And, they pass on these qualities and practices from one generation to another. I read one book a week, and give this one 5 stars–which is the highest rating I give any book. I highly recommend it!”

Anthony K:

“Sanford Holst’s book should be a “must read!” for all those who want to learn the science and art of how a social system not only survives but thrives in an environment of great political, military, cultural, religious, and economic turbulence….” 

George H:

“I found the book excellent to read and comprehensive with great photos. I especially enjoyed reading about the legend of the Phoenix.” 

Lori M:

“Sanford Holst has created a fascinating, accessible and intriguing narrative of the Phoenicians. It explains how the success of trade and necessary inventions, including the alphabet, developed in the civilizations of the Mediterranean.” 

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Further information

If you would like to deeply experience the Phoenician world, the book Phoenicians: Lebanon’s Epic Heritage is recommended. It is thoroughly researched, yet also a highly readable exploration.

Going beyond the few traditionally-cited facts, this authoritative work also draws from interviews with leading archaeologists and historians on-site in the lands and islands where the Phoenicians lived and left clues regarding their secretive society.

Phoenician Secrets

You can take a look inside this book. See the first pages here.