A History of the Jewish People

This title presents the epic 4,000-year story of the Jews, from the ancient patriarchs and kings through centuries-long persecution to the growth of a worldwide culture. This is an in-depth history of the Jewish faith and culture, from the time of Abraham and the 12 tribes through the destruction of the Temple and the Diaspora, including the Golden Age of Spain and the flowering of Yiddish culture in Eastern Europe, to the founding of modern Israel. It is magnificently illustrated with more than 500 colour photographs, paintings, statues, important historical sites, archaeological finds, informative artworks and maps. It is supplemented with special themed features including the Bible itself, the Hebrew language, divergent tastes in Jewish costume and food, religious and social customs, synagogue design, Jewish identity, and Jewish influence on world culture. The Jewish story is perhaps the most intricate strand in human history, surviving for over 4,000 years despite relentless persecution. Over time, this originally Middle Eastern people spawned a series of sacred texts that make up the most widely read book in history. Individual Jews have made a profound impact on civilization, from Moses and Jesus Christ to Maimonides and Albert Einstein. Running parallel to this history is the story of anti-semitism, a virulent and ever-evolving hatred of the Jewish people and their beliefs. This book surveys the different paths taken by Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Oriental Jews, and the evolution of Orthodox and Reform Judaism. The final part of the book explores how this ancient faith flourishes in a modern culture, from the founding of the first Jewish state in nearly 2,000 years, the kibbutz and social activism to Jewish cuisine and the Orthodox revival.

Author Biography

Born in South Africa, Lawrence Joffe has lived for many years in Britain. An Oxford graduate in philosophy and politics, he is the author of Keesings Guide to the Middle East Peace Process and a regular obituarist for The Guardian. Currently administrator of the Arab Jewish Forum, he lectures on Jewish and Middle Eastern affairs and has worked as a television documentary consultant. As a freelance journalist his pieces have frequently appeared in the Jewish Chronicle, the New Statesman, The Independent and other journals.