A creative and completely unique self-excavation by a gifted archaeologist equally at home in America and the Middle East, in the present and in Biblical times. The Boomer Archaeologist is at once playful, serious, and deeply touching.Matti Friedman, author of Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the SinaiIf there were an award for the most surprising book of the year, I’d nominate The Boomer Archeologist. In this coming-of-age story of the makings of a brilliant archeologist, Tom Levy takes us on an extraordinary journey through desert excavations and underwater digs, exploring ancient civilizations from Israel and Jordan to India and Africa. Along the way he unpacks wider stories – the archeological controversies over the veracity of the biblical narrative, the growing challenges of being an American Jew, the possibilities of friendship and respect between Jews and Arabs. Levy writes with charm and humor and most of all wonder at the adventure that has been his life. One of the most fascinating Jewish autobiographies of our time.Yossi Klein Halevi, senior fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute, author of the New York Times bestseller, Letters to My Palestinian NeighborFor people of our generation, archaeology was more than just a career. It was a passion fueled by our fascination with the past and how that past can enrich our collective lives.Archaeology combines the love of scientific discovery with history, philosophy and anthropology. As Levy says, it gives us the intellectual tools to understand the human condition. Tom’s delightful book illustrates the joy of archaeology through a lifetime journey of discovery, both personal and scientific. For me, Tom’s career and life embody the ideal of the professional archaeologist of any age. Charles (Chip) Stanish, Exec. Dir. Institute for the Advanced Study of Culture and Environment, University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, USA and Director and Prof. Emeritus, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLATom Levy’s Boomer Archaeologist is one of the most charming, entertaining and intelligent autobiographies I have ever read. Among the leading Eastern Mediterranean archaeologists of our generation, Tom has been a visionary and pioneer in many fields, including the study of early complex societies, introduction of the exact life sciences to archaeology, ancient metallurgy, and recently, cyber archaeology. Not surprising, this engaging book is also an exception. Tom tells his story, in many ways the story of archaeology in our region, in alluring graphics drawn by Lily Almeida. He does this in a moving personal tone -- with wit and emotion, courageously not caching matters of culture and identity. A rare delight.Israel Finkelstein, Professor and Head of the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, University of Haifa, Israel and Member, the Israel Academy of Sciences and HumanitiesForeign member, the French Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres and Foreign member, American Academy of Arts and SciencesA very personal and entertaining narrative, looking behind the scenes of a life well lived. Tom Levy’s reminiscences of his experiences as a ground-breaking archaeologist are amusing and thought-provoking by turns, well worth reading and contemplating by students, specialists, and the general public alike.Eric H. Cline, Professor of Classics, History, and Anthropology, The George Washington University and author of After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations (Princeton University Press)Levy’s graphic memoir is a compelling story of identity, resilience, and global adventure, shaped by his roots as the son of a WWII veteran. From his Californian upbringing to his archaeological work in Israel and Jordan—where he forged groundbreaking partnerships between Jews and Arabs after the 1990s peace accords—and his journeys to India, Greece, and Sheffield, Levy’s life exemplifies curiosity and cooperation. Through vibrant illustrations, he reflects on being a proud Jewish American while confronting the rise of antisemitism in academia. A poignant epilogue on October 7th brings added depth to this timely and inspiring memoir.Jonathan Sandler, author of The English GI, World War II Graphic MemoirIn this vivid graphic memoir, archaeologist Tom Levy delivers a unique inside view of his decades of groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the ancient Holy Land. He also presents an absorbing personal story of growing up as a Californian boomer and rediscovering his heritage in Israel in the midst of turbulent political events. Highly recommended! Evan Hadingham, author of Discovering Us, The Leakey FoundationThis illustrated book by noted anthropologist and Biblical archaeologist Thomas Levy is a unique story about his family, life and professional career. It a testimony of the world that used to be and the one we are in these past one hundred years. Levy’s contribution to the archaeology of the Near East can’t be exaggerated. Enjoy this journey and follow Tom on travels in time and human history through HIS thoughts and deeds. It will change your perspective of the world we live in.Miroslav Bárta, Prof. Dr., Czech Institute of Egyptology, Director of the Abusir mission Charles University, Prague, and Senator, Parliament of the Czech RepublicGraphic novels are hardly the stock in trade for distinguished scientists. In The Boomer Archaeologist, Tom Levy and his niece, the able illustrator Lily Almeida, provide a (literally) colorful journey through Levy's adventurous life in the trenches, with a no-holds-barred look at his personal struggles, Zionism, and the identity politics roiling today's college campuses. An innovative and engaging memoir.Andrew Lawler, author of Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City (Doubleday)
