Jewish-American author Herman Wouk describes his life, from his childhood in the Bronx to his travels in Germany and Communist China, and explains the impact that science and religion have had on his writing.

"One of our best writers today-a modern Charles Dickens-is Herman Wouk... The Hope is not only a good read, but it also causes a good think." -William Safire, New York Times Starting in 1948 and reaching its climax during the Six-Day War of 1967, The Hope begins the story of Israel, a country fighting for its life-outmatched and surrounded by enemies. Zev Barak, Sam Pasternak, Don Kishote, and Benny Luria are all officers in the Israeli Army, caught...