Book excerpt: Many forms of individual and family life in the Middle East today are still reminiscent of those of the Biblical world. Basing his study on these fundamental similarities, the author both brings to life the world of the Bible and documents a rapidly changing civilization. His comprehensive analysis of Middle Eastern sexual customs helps to explain the attitudes toward romantic love, incest, marriage, adultery, family life, and the position of women in society found in the Bible -- as well as many other aspects of life in the Middle East.