The book describes Kollek’s rela­tion­ships with many of the peo­ple involved in the build­ing of mod­ern Israel, includ­ing prime min­is­ters, pres­i­dents, mil­i­tary lead­ers, cul­tur­al icons, and scoundrels and is pep­pered with quotes from many of them. It pro­vides a fas­ci­nat­ing and inti­mate behind the scenes look at momen­tous events. It is a fast and easy read for any­one inter­est­ed in Israel, regard­less of pri­or knowl­edge of the country’s his­to­ry. Bib­li­og­ra­phy, index.