The Changing Face of Anti-Semitism: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Laqueur, Walter

ISBN: 9780195304299

Oxford University Press, 21 September 2006

Hardcover, 240 pages

For thirty years the director of the Wiener Library in London, the leading institute for the study of anti-Semitism, Walter Laqueur here offers both a comprehensive history of anti-Semitism as well as an illuminating look at the newest wave of this phenomenon.
Laqueur begins with an invaluable historical account of this pernicious problem, tracing the evolution from a predominantly religious anti-Semitism--stretching back to the middle ages--to a racial anti-Semitism that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author then uses this
historical account as backdrop to a brilliant analysis of the newest species of anti-Semitism, explaining its origins and rationale, how it manifests itself, in what ways and why it is different from anti-Semitism in past ages, and what forms it may take in the future. The book reveals that what was
historically a preoccupation of Christian and right-wing movements has become in our time even more frequent among Muslims and left-wing groups. Moreover, Laqueur argues that we can't simply equate this new anti-Semitism with anti-Zionism and write it off as merely anti-Israel sentiments. National
and religious minority groups have been systematically persecuted from Indonesia, to Bangladesh, Rwanda, and beyond, but their fate has not generated much indignation in Europe and America. If Israel alone is singled out for heated condemnation, is the root of this reaction simply anti-Zionism or is
it anti-Semitism?
Here is both a summing up of the entire trajectory of anti-Semitism--the first comprehensive history of its kind--and an exploration of the new wave of anti-Semitism that will be of interest to all concerned about the future of Jews, Judaism, and Israel.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
As anti-Semitism seems on the upsurge in Europe and the Islamic world, this compact volume serves as a timely reminder that what has been called "the longest hatred" remains a potent force. Laqueur, director of the Wiener Library in London, the leading institute for the study of anti-Semitism, traces the history of anti-Semitism (or its precursor, anti-Judaism) from the classical period to its new manifestations in our present age. He traces the evolution of this hatred from a xenophobic distrust in the pre-Christian era to a rage against "Christ killers" in the medieval Christian world. In the nineteenth century, it morphed into racial hatred, forming the basis of twentieth-century genocide. But it is Laqueur's analysis of anti-Semitism today that gives the work special value. Racial anti-Semitism is today largely confined to extreme right-wingers. However, on the left of the political spectrum, extreme hostility toward the State of Israel is common. This is a disturbing but important work likely to spur further debate. Jay Freeman
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"An interesting general analysis of the variations of anti-Semitism over the past 2000 years.... Laqueur's major strength is his critique of contemporary issues, especially the role of Israel in anti-Semitic thought, and the question of the relationship between anti-Zionism and
anti-Semitism."--Library Journal

"Walter Laqueur provides us with powerful new insights into an age-old problem. Distinguished scholarship and an authoritative moral voice are the hallmarks of this important book. Anyone wanting to understand the history and persistence of anti-Jewish hatred should read it." --Abraham H. Foxman,
National Director, Anti-Defamation League and author of Never Again?: The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism

"Once more, Walter Laqueur has brought his formidable learning, incisive style, and sheer brilliance in writing concise and yet gripping history to a subject matter of extraordinary complexity. The result is vintage Laqueur and an extremely valuable contribution to the subject of the history of
antisemitism." --Michael Stanislawski, Nathan J. Miller Professor of Jewish History, Columbia University

"Walter Laqueur has written a thoughtful book about a difficult subject, bringing history and his own keen analytical skill together in a new way. Engagingly written, it offers both an overview of the past and an analysis of the 'new antisemitism.' He treats antisemitism sympathetically, even as
he largely avoids the apologetics that characterize so much writing on the subject." --Mark R. Cohen, author of Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages

"A remarkable and eminently readable review of antisemitism throughout history from the persecution of the early Israelites in Egypt to the recent attacks on Jewish targets in twenty-first century Europe. Laqueur describes with skill and precision antisemitism's context in every era--be it economic,
religious, social, or political." --Rabbi Andrew Baker, Director of International Jewish Affairs, The American Jewish Committee

"A brilliant, lucid and compelling survey of a social, psychological, cultural, political and intellectual malady that has preoccupied and distorted European and Arab societies, Christian and Muslim civilizations, and both the political right and the political left. In this short volume, Laqueur
provides an elegant, fast-paced and immensely readable account of a complex, confounding and still-mutating condition that continues to afflict our world. This book is a vital contribution to our understanding of an important and disturbing dimension of our past--and, as Laqueur so incisively shows,
of our present and our future. There is no other book like it." --Walter Reich, Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Professor of International Affairs, George Washington University

"Well-researched and written by a very perceptive scholar. Especially worth reading and contemplating are the chapters on the modern era."--Washington Jewish Week

About the Author

Walter Laqueur was Co-Chairman of the International Research Council at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in Washington D.C. He is the author of many books and has published numerous articles in such newspapers and periodicals as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Foreign
Affairs, Encounter, and the New Republic. Laqueur's books and articles have been reprinted in many countries. His most recent works include Fascism: Past, Present, and Future and The New Terrorism: Fanaticism and the Arms of Mass Destruction.