Koestler advances the thesis that Ashkenazi Jews are not descended from the historical Israelites of antiquity; but from Khazars; a Turkic people originating in and populating an empire north of and between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Koestler's hypothesis is that the Khazars - who converted to Judaism in the 8th century - migrated westwards into current Eastern Europe (primarily Ukraine; Poland; Belarus; Lithuania; Hungary and Germany) in the 12th and 13th centuries when the Khazar Empire was collapsing.
#1737869 in Books 1996PDF # 1 #File Name: 0940328178151 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A classic historical novellaBy Saul RA classic historical novella about the Napoleonic Wars (from an English point of view) by CS Forester; the author of the Hornblower series. I've read it again over and over again (about once every 5-10 years; but I'm an old guy and that adds up). I love it each time.28 of 28 people found the following review helpful. I am so Pleased this has been ReissuedBy Gregory Paul AdkinsFor years I have heard of this book; but it was unavailable. It is a worthy addition to your library.This work is notable from three points of view. First; as others have noted it is a military story about partisan warfare; spirit and dedication. Dodd is a model soldier; a wonderful example.Next; it is a painless primer on the Peninsular War. What was it like? Not too nice. (Sharps's Gold also deals with this war.)Finally; it is a standalone book by Forester; the writer of the Hornblower series. Those of us who love Hornblower learn more about the author and the art of writing by seeing such a different work.A good book for the military professional. An excellent thriller for teenaged boys. An interesting sidelight for the Hornblower fan.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Novel about a lost but resourceful riflemanBy Walter W. Olson; Ph.D; P.E.i understand why this is on the Commandant's list of readings for enlisted men. In this novel; an English rifleman is lost in Portugal while the English are retreating from the Napoleonic French Armies. Through his resourcefulness; fortitude and "never quit" attitude he survives a Winter organizing Portuguese resistance fighters and harassing the French. While starved and without supply; he preserves his weapon and uses it on occasion as a sniper. I don't know if there is an actual foundation for which the story was built on but it is motivating; none the less.
