James J. Bloom

Born August 25, 1939 in New Jersey. Went to Atlantic City High School, then Dickinson College where obtained BA in 1961. Graduate study in several fields, brief army service 1962-63, worked as parole officer, child protective services worker, revenue agent, tax law specialist for IRS and Coopers & Lybrand, and KPMG Peat Marwick until retired from that work in 1999. Was consultant with Historical Evaluation and Research Organization, headed by the military historian Trevor Dupuy, 1971-78. I've written hundreds of journal articles, encyclopedia entries, chapters in books, etc. during a period of 35 years, culminating with THE JEWISH REVOLTS AGAINST ROME, with McFarland Publishing. I am currently finishing a manuscript for Pen & Sword on the sea power of the Roman Empire. My fields are ancient history, Jewish history, military history (all eras) and naval/maritime history. I am married with two sons, and five grandchildren, who will probably never read my writings but will keep the books on display to show visitors what their dad/grandpop does.

I was honored that my book, THE JEWISH REVOLTS AGAINST ROME, made the final cut for selection at the Military Classics Seminar, based at Fort Myer, Arlington, VA for discussion in 2012/13. It was presented last February by Dr. Kelly DeVries of Loyola University. Only 20 books are selected out of hundreds balloted. Dr. Devries was very complimentary of the book, and it sold well among the attendees.