From the Maccabees to the Mishna by Shaye Cohen

Shaye J. D. Cohen is a Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University. He is a well-known historian who also holds rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. This book (link here) is one of my favorites. If you are a student of history and background of the Second Temple era, Professor Cohen has much to offer you. You may not always agree with his conclusions, but the research he does is outstanding. He will challenge you and make you think on your own. A trademark of good education is not just filling people's heads with facts but helping them think through possible scenarios of how what we know from the past can make sense.

Peek inside the book?