After reading "The People of the Book" I wanted a better understanding of antisemitism. Why, I wondered, had this particular group of people been persecuted for centuries? As a Catholic I understand that many Catholics erroneously believe that Jews were resposible for the death of Jesus. This did not explain, though, antisemism that existed before Christ and from the Muslim people. This book helped me to understand that Jews have been persecuted because they were Jews. Now that I have a better idea of what it means to be a Jew, a people without a country to call their own, I have a more clear picture of antisemitism and all the evil it entailed. Great book; should be required reading for all.