The Jews of Khazaria

Oxford, England: Jason Aronson Books - Rowman & Littlefield Publishers , 2004. Stated: "Copyright 2002, 1999 by Jason aronson, Inc. First Rowman & Littlefield edition published in 2004" Glossy pictorial boards, light shelf wear; matches original Jason Aronson wrapper in design and colors. Pages fine; no writing. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Near fine scarce hardcover edition. Kevin Alan Brook recounts the exciting and intriguing history of the kingdom of Khazaria located in eastern Europe. It flourished as an independent state from about 650 to 1016. In the mid eighth to mid ninth century, the royalty and nobility, as well as a significant portion of the population, embraced the Jewish religion. As a major world power, Khazaria enjoyed diplomacy and trade with many nations and altered the course of medieval history. After conversion, the kingdom was ruled by a succession of Jewish kings and adopted the Torah and Talmud, the Hebrew script and holidays. A portion of the empire adopted Christianity and Islam. This volume traces the development of the Khazars from their beginning as a tribe to the decline and fall of the kingdom. Brook traces their migrations into Hungary, Ukraine, and Europe and provides a most comprehensive treatment of this complex issue. The finale enumerates the Jewish communities which sprung up after the fall and proposes that the Jews from the former Russian Empire are descended from a mixture of Khazar Jews, German Jews, Greek Jews, and Slavs. Brook draws upon the latest archival, linguistic, and archaeological discoveries. Ashkenazic Jews who wish to explore their distant ancestry in eastern Europe will greatly benefit. Additionally, Hungarians, Slavs, Turks, Arabs, and Ossetians will find a wealth of details concerning their interaction with Khazars. A thorough and engrossing, yet elementary and accessible, account of the Khazar kingdom that will expand the grasp of any seeker into these previously mostly obscure revelations. Features a dozen page detailed index, a seventeen page bibliography, and a note about the author. Printed in the United States of America. 355 pages. Insured post.. First Rowman Edition. Hard Cover. Fine. Illus. by Tulli, Judith M. (Cover Design). 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.