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Israel: A History (The Schusterman Series in Israel Studies) Paperback – August 5, 2014

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 146 ratings

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Written by one of Israel’s most notable scholars, this volume provides a breathtaking history of Israel from the origins of the Zionist movement in the late nineteenth century to the present day. Organized chronologically, the volume explores the emergence of Zionism in Europe against the backdrop of relations among Jews, Arabs, and Turks, and the earliest pioneer settlements in Palestine under Ottoman rule. Weaving together political, social, and cultural developments in Palestine under the British mandate, Shapira creates a tapestry through which to understand the challenges of Israeli nation building, including mass immigration, shifting cultural norms, the politics of war and world diplomacy, and the creation of democratic institutions and a civil society. References to contemporary diaries, memoirs, and literature bring a human dimension to this narrative history of Israel from its declaration of independence in 1948 through successive decades of waging war, negotiating peace, and building a modern state with a vibrant society and culture. Based on archival sources and the most up-to-date scholarly research, this authoritative history is a must-read for anyone with a passionate interest in Israel. Israel: A History will be the gold standard in the field for years to come.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A]n indispensable guide. . . . The author is at her best focusing on economic, social, and culture history--she makes deft use of Hebrew literature to illuminate her points, and she succinctly captures the zeitgeist of the times."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"A fascinating new one-volume history of Israel by the eminent Israeli historian Anita Shapira explains Arab thinking about partition back in 1947 and the many other unexpected and real events that have comprised Israel's history from the beginnings of the Zionist movement in the 1890s through the second intifada in 2001. Unlike other histories that often tell Israel's story by jumping from one war to the next, this one, called "Israel: A History" (Brandeis), captures the nation's diversity and cultural richness along with its existential struggles."-- "Jewish Week"

"Shapira's Israel has many strengths. . . . That go hand in hand with her rapid, suggestive illumination of themes."-- "Jewish Review of Books"

"This is surely a much-needed primer for an English-language audience that is often unaware of the intricacies of the country's social past, knowing only about the battles and intifadas that seem to make up its history. . . . Shapira's accessible survey of Israeli history provides a thought-provoking text for those unfamiliar with the Jewish state."-- "Jerusalem Post"

About the Author

ANITA SHAPIRA is a professor emerita at Tel Aviv University. An internationally acclaimed scholar with a special interest in social and cultural history, Shapira has published pathbreaking studies on the history of Zionism, Jewish-Arab relations, and the state of Israel.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Brandeis University Press; Reprint edition (August 5, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 528 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1611686180
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1611686180
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.74 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.3 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 146 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
146 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018
I read this as a recommendation from Daniel Gordis after reading his introductory history. Shapira is more academic in her approach, focusing on socio-economic changes, national zeitgeist, and the philosophical maturation of the state. There was less focus on the wars except how they affected the Israeli outlook on its existence. Also very helpful were the suggestions for further reading after each chapter that allows one to read further on a topic of interest. Thought Shapira did a good job discussing the disparate viewpoints on Zionism, the state's creation and the secular/religious divide. Highly recommended.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2013
I needed to read this for a peace mission this summer to Israel, with a group of other Catholic educators. I am glad that it was required -- it was informative and enjoyable. Definitely more academic than 'pleasure reading' of a general nature though.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
Thoroughly researched; leans pro-Israel. I didn't find it always fairly balanced, but so many scholarly works are so anti Israel and blindly Palestinian that it is really helpful today read this perspective. This is an essential read for anyone trying understand the Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2017
This is the best book re Israel, very informative without having a lot of adjectives, straight to the point, like talking to a friend.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2013
This is an extraordinary work of research and perspective. The glittering generalities of my youth and adulthood are detailed in this book and some myths exploded. This book is neither pro nor anyti Israel. It simply tells us in excruciating face the challenge of settling and bringing Israel to maturity. After reading of the early I thermal struggles it is more than a,zing tnat Israel exists and exist so strongly.

The book is so important that I have asked our Rabbi to teach a class on it next year
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2018
Wonderful treatment of the history of Israel. It has changed the way I understand the Middle East situation and Israel. She does not gloss over the less noble times or people, giving what appears to be a fair treatment of facts and motives. I felt like I was reading "the history of the Israeli Revolution". Highly recommend!
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017
A very well written book with a lot of information. Concise and informative!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2014
Anita Shapira, one of Israel's top academics, has once again succeeded in writing a balanced and honest book.She covers a wide range of topics, always ensuring that the human component dominates the drama.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Mr. M. Hodgson
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Detailed, excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2024
Very detailed book, seemingly well researched with good references and explanations. Highly recommended reading and absolutely recommended if you want to learn more about Israel, its history, formation to u8nderstand the current situation. Good read.
helix
5.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy read by highly recommended
Reviewed in Germany on November 5, 2023
A helpful insight into a complex country, and more important than ever at a time when western elites all too often side with those who despise the very liberties and values that the West supposedly stands for, commiting unspeakable atrocities to get closer to their own totalitarian and intolerant dreams.
Aurobindo Bose
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product
Reviewed in India on May 4, 2019
Good Product
Ian Hoffman
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2016
Delivered as promised
carlosraet
5.0 out of 5 stars Magnífico
Reviewed in Spain on April 16, 2016
Me ha sorprendido la cantidad de luz que este libro da a el problema de oriente medio. La forma en la que los países occidentales hemos velado por nuestros intereses y haciendo que el resto pague por nuestros pecados.