Mesopotamia: The Invention of the City is a pretty decent introduction to the area. It leans a bit towards the post-modern / culture studies school. read more
Mary Renault wrote some excellent books on Ancient Greece. Some are based on myths, like The King Must Die, and some are based on the lives of historical figures, like Fire From Heaven and the Persian Boy. read more
Yes, I think such a book would be a readable work, especially those sideroads. The story of Hagar and Ishmael is a result of Sarah and Abraham trying to 'help' God create the Jewish nation. As long as the book is not preachy, the book would be good. If you want to proselitize through your book, I would not read it. read more