Product Description

Covering the story of prejudice against Jews from the time of Christ through the rise of Nazi Germany, "The History of Anti-Semitism" presents in elegant and thoughtful language a balanced, careful assessment of this egregious human failing that is nearly ubiquitous in the history of Europe. "From the Time of Christ to the Court Jews" systematically traces the twists and turns of hatred against Jews as it developed from Roman times to the end of the eighteenth century. Chiefly the history of prejudice against the Ashkenazim, this volume demonstrates that organized anti-Semitism was unknown until the First Crusade, an event that marked the beginning of systematic genocide and mass expulsions in Europe. Jews were accused of countless crimes, from causing the Black Death to practicing ritual murder, and the author attempts throughout to reveal the sociological and psychological forces behind these irrational charges.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1264703 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
"A scholarly but eminently readable tracing of the sources and recurring themes of anti-Semitism."--Library Journal "Poliakov has demonstrated brilliantly how widely and deeply versed he is in his subject."--Economist "Highly recommended without exception."--Choice "Poliakov has shown that anti-Semitism is no chance phenomenon but an emanation of European culture."--Times Literary Supplement "Leon Poliakov's work on antisemitism is of enormous importance. As a work of scholarship it is almost without peer. One could have imagined that Poliakov's study might have given a long overdue burial to the longest hatred. Sadly--tragically--it has taken on a new urgency in our time as the images and issues have been resurrected at the beginning of the twenty-first century."--Michael Berenbaum, Director, Sigi Ziering Institute

About the Author
Leon Poliakov (1910-97) wrote extensively on the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. His many books include Harvest of Hate: The Nazi Program for the Destruction of Jews in Europe and Aryan Myth: A History of Racist and Nationalist Ideas in Europe. He helped establish the Centre de Documentation Juive in 1943.

Customer Reviews

Most Interesting Work on the Subject
It is a shame that Poliakov is not better known in this country. The subject matter is far greater than the title suggests. This is really a kind of panoramic history of Europe in the style of Braudel, only much less densely written and pleasurable to read. The translation only improves matters. With all the poorly written material on this subject, it is a shame that Poliakov is not brought out in bigger editions. This is really something special, and it's bound to fascinate any reader of European or Jewish history. I would say it's an ideal gift to any reader of history. Anyway, great to have it back in print after all these years.