can you tell me the story of Jacob?

[thisisyesterday]

I just read Water for Elephants as part of a book recommendation/swap thingy.
there is a little interview with the author at the back and they mention that the book kind of covers the story of Jacob in the bible.

I, however, do not know the story so didn't "get" that aspect of the book. so I would like to find out more about it.

info here

Jacob son of Isaac, but his mother's favourit, steals his brother's (Esau)inheritance. Runs away falls in love with Rachel, daughter of Laben, works for 7 years to marry her, on wedding day discovers he married sister Leah instead, works another sven years marries Rachel, has two sons with her, Joseph (him of splended coat fame) and Benjamin.

Also has other children with Leah, her maidservant and Rachel's maidservent. And a daughter called Dinah.

At some point has a dream about a ladder of angels going up to heaven and wrestles with an angel. He is also known as Israel. His sons are the 12 tribes of Israel.

Genesis 27

please excuse spelling mistakes, typing abilty gone