Heritage: Civilization and the Jews

by Abba Eban

From the birth of Jewish history to the rebirth of the State of Israel, the author, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and the U.N., traces four thousand years of Jewish experience

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Israel, Judaica, Religion, Judaism, Ancient

354 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1984

About the author

South African-born Israeli politician Abba Eban served as first permanent delegate of Israel to the United Nations from 1949 to 1959, as ambassador to the United States from 1950 to 1959, and as foreign minister from 1966 to 1974.

This diplomat worked as a scholar of the Arabic and Hebrew languages.

In his career, he served as affairs, education, deputy prime minister. He also served as vice president of the General Assembly of the United Nations and as president of the Weizmann institute of science.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abba_Eban

Reviews

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for history , archeology and arts fans . I have read a lot about Israel and its' history , but learned more from this volume . Enjoyed the art (portraits and sculptures) and illustrations very much .

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The companion volume to the PBS series, Heritage is a fascinating and accessible history of the Jewish people and culture that asks how "so small a people -- there are only 14 million Jews in the world today -- could have had such a profound impact on all aspects of civilization -- religion, philosophy, law, drama, science, art, political systems, ethics -- and yet manage to preserve its own identity in dispersion and exile without a territorial base or political institution..."

I've recently embarked on a project of sorting and weeding my bookshelves which has resulted in a rather large re-read pile. This book is at the top of the pile.

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published as companion to the acclaimed PBS television series, this concise history of the Jews contains wonderful illustrations, photographs and maps. What sets it apart is population estimates for the Jewish and non-Jewish at various points in history and locations. Eban was a great statesman, more appreciated by the outside world than his adopted home of Israel.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking. Highly recommended.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Writer: Great Statesman: Great History!!!