The author summarizes the history of Israel's great schism, the events and historical figures that led ultimately to the Northern and Southern kingdoms. "The tragedy of Israel's schism was multifaceted," she writes. "Most obvious is the fact that with the dissolution of the united monarchy, Israel's hard-won glory days were permanently ended. Before long, the skinny little land bridge that was home to Israel and Judah would know the tramp of many a foreign foot as nations more powerful than they crisscrossed it en route to great power struggles elsewhere."