For thirty years the director of the Wiener Library in London--the leading institute for the study of anti-Semitism--Walter Laqueur here offers both a comprehensive history of anti-Semitism as well as an illuminating look at the newest wave of this phenomenon. Laqueur begins with an invaluable historical account of this pernicious problem; tracing the evolution from a predominantly religious anti-Semitism--stretching back to the middle ages--to a racial anti-Semitism that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author then uses this historical account as backdrop to a brilliant analysis of the newest species of anti-Semitism; explaining its origins and rationale; how it manifests itself; in what ways and why it is different from anti-Semitism in past ages; and what forms it may take in the future. The book reveals that what was historically a preoccupation of Christian and right-wing movements has become in our time even more frequent among Muslims and left-wing groups. Moreover; Laqueur argues that we can't simply equate this new anti-Semitism with anti-Zionism and write it off as merely anti-Israel sentiments. If Israel alone is singled out for heated condemnation; is the root of this reaction simply anti-Zionism or is it anti-Semitism? Here is both a summing up of the entire trajectory of anti-Semitism--the first comprehensive history of its kind--and an exploration of the new wave of anti-Semitism. "Walter Laqueur provides us with powerful new insights into an age-old problem. Distinguished scholarship and an authoritative moral voice are the hallmarks of this important book. Anyone wanting to understand the history and persistence of anti-Jewish hatred should read it."--Abraham H. Foxman; National Director; Anti-Defamation League
#1166966 in Books Walter Laqueur 2008-06-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.30 x .80 x 7.90l; .70 #File Name: 019534121X240 pagesThe Changing Face of Anti Semitism From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Tiger LilyRequirement for my Holocaust course. Difficult to read due to the content.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent overview of a quesation rthat still has no definitive answerBy Sheldon GoldbergWalter Laquer is an excellent writer who provides an objective view of a very difficult subject. He admits that there is no definitive answer to the question of "Why Anti-Semitism;" but he provides an excellent overview of different manifestations of it. Reecommended for anyone interested in Jewish history or the phenomenon itself.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Lacks passion; prose dragsBy John HarpurThis is not a well written book. It lacks footnotes and the in-text references to bibliographic material could be spruced up. The bibliography itself reads like a file dump from the author's computer. There is a certain casualness or perhaps more accurately a journalistic informality about the prose that didn't read well for me. And all of that is a pity becasue the central theme of Laquers' work is the constancy of anti-Semitism propagated under different deceitful guises in different times. Anyone who learns something new from this book is not familiar with Jewish history; the history of the diaspora. The book is; from this perspective; a useful introduction to the emergence and solidification of anti-Semitic trends. However; given Laquers' professional provenace I expected much greater depth; much more profound analysis and I did not encounter it. Instead; one ends up with a version of a Dummies Guide. I would have liked more passion to flow; more provocative argument to be evidenced; the Sword of Moses to be waved about. One can be academic and passionate (e.g. Saul Friedlander) and for me; and I stess for me; this work did not hit the spot.
