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A Short History of the Jews

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( 153 ratings, 16 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Short History of the Jews offers a sweeping narrative of the Jewish people's journey from biblical times to the modern day. Michael Brenner draws on the latest scholarship to chronicle migrations, traditions, and identitiesβ€”from the ancient wanderings of Moses and the Babylonian exile to the Holocaust and the founding of Israel. Personal stories, such as that of Holocaust survivor Esther Barkai, enliven the historical tapestry, while the book highlights Jewish contributions to arts, politics, religion, and science.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for general readers, students, and anyone seeking a clear and authoritative introduction to the broad sweep of Jewish history and culture.

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Presents the narrative history of the Jewish people from biblical times to today. This book tells a dramatic story of change and migration deeply rooted in tradition, taking readers from the mythic wanderings of Moses to the unspeakable atrocities of the Holocaust; and from the Babylonian exile to the founding of the modern state of Israel.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is a sweeping and powerful narrative history of the Jewish people from biblical times to today. Based on the latest scholarship and richly illustrated, it is the most authoritative and accessible chronicle of the Jewish experience available.

Michael Brenner tells a dramatic story of change and migration deeply rooted in tradition, taking readers from the mythic wanderings of Moses to the unspeakable atrocities of the Holocaust; from the Babylonian exile to the founding of the modern state of Israel; and from the Sephardic communities under medieval Islam to the shtetls of eastern Europe and the Hasidic enclaves of modern-day Brooklyn.

The book is full of fascinating personal stories of exodus and return, from that told about Abraham, who brought his newfound faith into Canaan, to that of Holocaust survivor Esther Barkai, who lived on a kibbutz established on a German estate seized from the Nazi Julius Streicher as she awaited resettlement in Israel.

Describing the events and people that have shaped Jewish history, and highlighting the important contributions Jews have made to the arts, politics, religion, and science, A Short History of the Jews is a compelling blend of storytelling and scholarship that brings the Jewish past marvelously to life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Brenner's work as an excellent, concise, and accessible introduction to Jewish history. Jay Freeman of Booklist describes it as a compact yet thorough overview emphasizing the theme of migration and its connection to the land of Israel. Publishers Weekly Religion Book Line commends the author for guiding readers adeptly from biblical narratives through to contemporary Israeli society. The book is noted for its clarity, breadth, and engaging presentation suitable for general readers and students alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691154978

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 March 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 5 Maps

Contributors:

  • Translated by Jeremiah Riemer

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 567g

Pages: 440

About the Author

Michael Brenner is professor of Jewish history and culture at the University of Munich. His books include "Zionism: A Brief History" and "After the Holocaust: Rebuilding Jewish Lives in Postwar Germany" (Princeton).

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