Review by Choice Review
"Historians of the Jewish past bear considerable responsibility for the formation of the Jewish present and future." Brenner (Univ. of Munich, Germany) echoes other historiographical works because historians are as much the products of their environment as are their sources. Just as Jews themselves divided during the emancipation period about whether they were primarily a religious group or a national one, so too did historians. In the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, Jews split over whether they supported or opposed the Zionist movement. The works of Jewish historians, not surprisingly, also reflected that dichotomy. Depending on how Jewish historians viewed the present, the interpretation of the past varied. In a fascinating chapter aptly titled "Jewish History without Tears?" Brenner illustrates how the Jewish past can be described as one of nothing but persecution or, conversely, as a history in which Jews have thrived despite formidable obstacles. These disparate narratives then framed the debate about whether assimilation was a positive development and would lead to a softening of outside hostility, or whether Jewish acculturation to the larger world would exacerbate anti-Semitism. Brenner ends with a critical look at postmodern Jewish historians. A well-translated and welcome addition to Jewish history collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students/faculty. G. R. Sharfman Manchester College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
