A Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People - (Short Histories) by Steven Leonard Jacobs (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this exciting addition to Bloomsbury's Short Histories series, Steven Leonard Jacobs critically yet concisely examines the history of Judaism and the Jewish people, drawing from maps, photographs and archives to illuminate the history of one of the world's oldest religions.

Beginning by establishing a definition of Judaism, Jacobs explores the historiography of the Jewish people, in addition to the role of memory in charting history. Including a comprehensive breakdown of the history of Judaism, the author splits discussion into defined eras, taking readers from the beginnings of Judaism, to the split between Judah in the South and Israel in the North, the united Monarchy, and the Age of the Prophets.

Exploring the social structures and institutions of ancient Israel, Jacobs incorporates key themes such as civic life, economics, and art - before analysing the interactions of Judaism with Romanism and Hellenism. Moving through the Middle Ages and Pre-Modernity, and acknowledging the role of key figures such as Yosef Karo and Moses Mendelssohn, this book brings the narrative up to the present day, and uncovers the foundations of Judaism in modernity.

Jacobs' authoritative yet engaging prose shines through each of the thirteen chapters, which seamlessly intertwine to produce a thorough yet concise examination of the history of Judaism and Jewish peoples.

Review Quotes

"Do not be fooled by the title. This "short history" is every bit as deep and wide as we have come to expect from Professor Jacobs. It is beautifully written and includes hundreds of citations to secondary sources that will be of tremendous value to students and scholars alike." --Michael Dickerman, Adjunct Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton University, USA

"A Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People by Steven Jacobs is written with the general reader in mind. That is the text is clear and offers a full history never assuming that the reader already knows the details. It is even so comprehensive in this compacted text so that any student will be able to follow the history from the ancient world to the complex reality of modern Judaism. As Prof. Jacobs does this, he also draws on contemporary images (such as a reference to "Indiana Jones"). All of this makes for an excellent text well suited for the beginning student in any college classroom." --James Moore, Senior Research Professor, Valparaiso University, USA

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