History of the Jews

This is an outline history concisely and clearly written. But it does not truly cover the last fifty years of Jewish history. The changes have been so great, including all those connected with the Shoah and the rise and development of the state of Israel that what is contained here certainly is inadequate to conveying where the Jewish people are today.

Although I found Paul Johnson's "A History of the Jews" much more indepth surrounding the early history of the Jew Mr. Roth does blend the long history of anti-semitism with Jewish History. Although the former writer speaks of George Washington and the Civil war, which was not in the "Middle Ages" or "Dark Ages" but of rather recent times. During the rise of Catholocism, Lutheranism and Orthodox Christian sects there was little more then persecution of this small minority of individuals not accepting of their diverse Messianic beliefs. As a matter of fact Mr. Roth tends to leave out many further examples of discrimination, "gettoization" and instituted pogrom. This book is worth the money and written from a very liberal position. Mr. Roth tends to use "Palestine" with referance to Israel/Judea/Sumaria a millenia prior to the existance of the renaming Israel to "Philistina": Palestine. There are better books on Jewish History but this work is worth the read for a well presentation of the the history of the Jew. As a matter of fact, due to the present political situation, it would be good if Jews would take the time to learn their own history instead of helping those whom wish to distroy them. A good account of Jewish History, I'd suggest "From Time Immemorial" - Joan Peters, "The Dhimmi" - Bat Yaor and anything by Barnard Lewis is very creditable. Enjoy.