Originally published: London : Tauris, 1988.

In the 1920's and 1930's life in the peaceful village of Bethany outside Jerusalem, was dominated by its flamboyant headman, Khalil Aburish, guardian of the tomb of Lazarus. An entrepreneur who wore his headband at a rakish angle, whose handlebar moustache was always carefully waxed, and whose waistband was made of the finest damascene silk, Khalil Aburish made a fortune from the Western visitors to the site.Said K. Aburish, grandson of the headman, related the vivid history of his family which, like so many others, has been torn apart by events in Palestine in the course of the century.In 1948, with Palestine in flames, the Aburish family scattered. Some remained in Bethany. Others began a new life across the world, establishing themselves as journalists, advertising executives, professors, bankers - even revolutionaries. The Aburishes who stayed in Bethany watched as their peaceful way of life was destroyed by events in the outside world - culminating in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank which threatens their very existence.