This masterwork of interpretative history begins with a bold declaration: The Modern Age is the Jewish Age--and we are all; to varying degrees; Jews. The assertion is; of course; metaphorical. But it underscores Yuri Slezkine's provocative thesis. Not only have Jews adapted better than many other groups to living in the modern world; they have become the premiere symbol and standard of modern life everywhere. Slezkine argues that the Jews were; in effect; among the world's first free agents. They traditionally belonged to a social and anthropological category known as "service nomads;" an outsider group specializing in the delivery of goods and services. Their role; Slezkine argues; was part of a broader division of human labor between what he calls Mercurians-entrepreneurial minorities--and Apollonians--food-producing majorities. Since the dawning of the Modern Age; Mercurians have taken center stage. In fact; Slezkine argues; modernity is all about Apollonians becoming Mercurians--urban; mobile; literate; articulate; intellectually intricate; physically fastidious; and occupationally flexible. Since no group has been more adept at Mercurianism than the Jews; he contends; these exemplary ancients are now model moderns. The book concentrates on the drama of the Russian Jews; including émigrés and their offspring in America; Palestine; and the Soviet Union. But Slezkine has as much to say about the many faces of modernity--nationalism; socialism; capitalism; and liberalism--as he does about Jewry. Marxism and Freudianism; for example; sprang largely from the Jewish predicament; Slezkine notes; and both Soviet Bolshevism and American liberalism were affected in fundamental ways by the Jewish exodus from the Pale of Settlement. Rich in its insight; sweeping in its chronology; and fearless in its analysis; this sure-to-be-controversial work is an important contribution not only to Jewish and Russian history but to the history of Europe and America as well.
#1748236 in Books Princeton University Press 2002-02-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .81 x 6.14l; 1.40 #File Name: 0691089434344 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Dissent Cannot Be ToleratedBy CustomerInteresting background on whether people are saved by grave or works. A worthwhile read for those interested; also; in the benefits of separation of church and state.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.By CustomerI thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the writing quite fascinating and it gave me a much better understanding nuanced understanding the controversy. It is hard to find historical books with narrative depth and that offere an interesting; provocative perspective that makes you think. I highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading more by Mr. Winshop.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Academic in all the worst waysBy HistorianHorribly written; with no thought to the reader. Totally a chore to get through it. Esoteric terms not defined; author poorly served by editor.
