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The Routledge Atlas of Jewish History, 6th Edition
Tracing the world-wide migrations of the Jews from ancient Mesopotamia to modern Israel, this newly updated edition spans over four thousand years of history in 140 maps and presents a vivid picture of a fascinating people.
160 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 1995
About the author
Martin Gilbert
251 books419 followersThe official biographer of Winston Churchill and a leading historian on the Twentieth Century, Sir Martin Gilbert was a scholar and an historian who, though his 88 books, has shown there is such a thing as “true history”
Born in London in 1936, Martin Gilbert was educated at Highgate School, and Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating with First Class Honours. He was a Research Scholar at St Anthony's College, and became a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford in 1962, and an Honorary Fellow in 1994. After working as a researcher for Randolph Churchill, Gilbert was chosen to take over the writing of the Churchill biography upon Randolph's death in 1968, writing six of the eight volumes of biography and editing twelve volumes of documents. In addition, Gilbert has written pioneering and classic works on the First and Second World Wars, the Twentieth Century, the Holocaust, and Jewish history.
Gilbert drove every aspect of his books, from finding archives to corresponding with eyewitnesses and participants that gave his work veracity and meaning, to finding and choosing illustrations, drawing maps that mention each place in the text, and compiling the indexes. He travelled widely lecturing and researching, advised political figures and filmmakers, and gave a voice and a name “to those who fought and those who fell.”
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Born in London in 1936, Martin Gilbert was educated at Highgate School, and Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating with First Class Honours. He was a Research Scholar at St Anthony's College, and became a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford in 1962, and an Honorary Fellow in 1994. After working as a researcher for Randolph Churchill, Gilbert was chosen to take over the writing of the Churchill biography upon Randolph's death in 1968, writing six of the eight volumes of biography and editing twelve volumes of documents. In addition, Gilbert has written pioneering and classic works on the First and Second World Wars, the Twentieth Century, the Holocaust, and Jewish history.
Gilbert drove every aspect of his books, from finding archives to corresponding with eyewitnesses and participants that gave his work veracity and meaning, to finding and choosing illustrations, drawing maps that mention each place in the text, and compiling the indexes. He travelled widely lecturing and researching, advised political figures and filmmakers, and gave a voice and a name “to those who fought and those who fell.”
https://twitter.com/sirmartin36
https://www.facebook.com/sirmartingil...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 15, 2018
This fascinating Atlas traces the history of the Jewish people, from the early Jewish migration from Ur to Canaan, in about 2000 BC, up to developments in the modern State of Israel.
He traces the migration of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land, and the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, the whereabouts of the Twelve Tribes of Ancient Israel, the kingdoms of David and Solomon 1000 to 925 BC, as well as the destruction of Jewish independence by the Assyrians and Babylonians and the subsequent deportations and dispersions of the Israelites.
The book shows us maps revealing the Hasmonean Kingdom and the Jewish revolts against Roman Rule.
Gilbert outlines the development of ancient Jewish communities in Iraq, Persia, India and China, as well as Europe, the persecutions, pogroms, expulsions and different places of settlements of the Jews throughout the world.
The book deals with some lesser known facts such as the whereabouts of the Karaite Jews, 10 000 of whom were murdered by the Nazis in Crimea, in 1943, the fact that in 1805 Napoleon formed a Jewish battalion that fought at Waterloo, while in 1799 the Jews of Jerusalem joined the Turks in preparing to defend the city, and in 1812, the Jews of Russia, supported their Russian overlords against Napoleon, as they feared that Napoleon's liberalization would be a threat to their orthodoxy.
A fascinating map shows the possible whereabouts of the ten lost Tribes of Israel, and the intriguing possibilty that their descendants could include the Ibos of Nigeria, the Masai Tribe of East Africa, the Berbers of North Africa, the Khazars, the Bneie Menashe of Eastern
India, the Karens of Burma, and the Shinadai Tribe of Japan.
Other maps show the development of Jewish life in the Americas, Jewish millitary activity from from 1794 to 1967, the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel, the numbers of Jews in Europe at the outbreak of World War II, and those that perished in the Holocaust, the numbers of Jews who fled Europe for Palestine, during the Holocaust, Jewish resistance against Nazis persecution in Europe, and against Arab pogroms in Palestine, and Israel's War of Independence in 1948, the Suez War of 1956 and the Six Day war of 1967, describing the balance on the eve of that war of Arab and Israeli forces:
The total Arab strength was 547 000 troops, 2 504 tanks and 957 combat aircrafts, while Israel's strength consisted of 264 000 troops, 800 tanks and 300 Combat aircrafts.
While the author is correct about persecution in Europe, of the Jews, by Christians, he underestimates and does not fully describe the many massacres and pogroms against Jews in Moslem-ruled lands, as well as the severe dhimmni status under which they lived.
Nevertheless Gilbert succeeds, in illustrating the vast panorama of the Jewish people, through the ages.
He makes obscure periods in Jewish history better known, if only in outline, leaving the reader the task of embarking on deeper research.
Finally the book leaves the reader amazed at the endurability of a people who survived thousands of years of hostility and attempts to destroy it, and are gathered together once again in their ancient homeland, having to defend their homeland against 100 million Arabs, and a very large chunk of hostile world opinion.
He traces the migration of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land, and the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, the whereabouts of the Twelve Tribes of Ancient Israel, the kingdoms of David and Solomon 1000 to 925 BC, as well as the destruction of Jewish independence by the Assyrians and Babylonians and the subsequent deportations and dispersions of the Israelites.
The book shows us maps revealing the Hasmonean Kingdom and the Jewish revolts against Roman Rule.
Gilbert outlines the development of ancient Jewish communities in Iraq, Persia, India and China, as well as Europe, the persecutions, pogroms, expulsions and different places of settlements of the Jews throughout the world.
The book deals with some lesser known facts such as the whereabouts of the Karaite Jews, 10 000 of whom were murdered by the Nazis in Crimea, in 1943, the fact that in 1805 Napoleon formed a Jewish battalion that fought at Waterloo, while in 1799 the Jews of Jerusalem joined the Turks in preparing to defend the city, and in 1812, the Jews of Russia, supported their Russian overlords against Napoleon, as they feared that Napoleon's liberalization would be a threat to their orthodoxy.
A fascinating map shows the possible whereabouts of the ten lost Tribes of Israel, and the intriguing possibilty that their descendants could include the Ibos of Nigeria, the Masai Tribe of East Africa, the Berbers of North Africa, the Khazars, the Bneie Menashe of Eastern
India, the Karens of Burma, and the Shinadai Tribe of Japan.
Other maps show the development of Jewish life in the Americas, Jewish millitary activity from from 1794 to 1967, the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel, the numbers of Jews in Europe at the outbreak of World War II, and those that perished in the Holocaust, the numbers of Jews who fled Europe for Palestine, during the Holocaust, Jewish resistance against Nazis persecution in Europe, and against Arab pogroms in Palestine, and Israel's War of Independence in 1948, the Suez War of 1956 and the Six Day war of 1967, describing the balance on the eve of that war of Arab and Israeli forces:
The total Arab strength was 547 000 troops, 2 504 tanks and 957 combat aircrafts, while Israel's strength consisted of 264 000 troops, 800 tanks and 300 Combat aircrafts.
While the author is correct about persecution in Europe, of the Jews, by Christians, he underestimates and does not fully describe the many massacres and pogroms against Jews in Moslem-ruled lands, as well as the severe dhimmni status under which they lived.
Nevertheless Gilbert succeeds, in illustrating the vast panorama of the Jewish people, through the ages.
He makes obscure periods in Jewish history better known, if only in outline, leaving the reader the task of embarking on deeper research.
Finally the book leaves the reader amazed at the endurability of a people who survived thousands of years of hostility and attempts to destroy it, and are gathered together once again in their ancient homeland, having to defend their homeland against 100 million Arabs, and a very large chunk of hostile world opinion.
October 20, 2023
I was extremely hesitant to order Sir Martin Gilbert’s ebook, “The Routledge Atlas of Jewish History (Routledge Historical Atlases) 9th Edition,” because the only review of it that I could find—on Amazon—gave it 3 stars, primarily because the reviewer claimed that the maps were fuzzy. So, when I took the plunge and actually ordered this ebook, I was delighted that the maps were extremely clear.
The maps are arranged chronologically, from ancient times to the 21st century. There are so many different types of maps, including maps of Jews living in Israel; in Nirth, Central, and South America; in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; under self-rule and both Muslim and Christian rule. Gilbert really did a fantastic job. Unfortunately, Gilbert died in 2015. However, the publishers are still putting out new editions of this work, so there are several things that Routledge must consider when publishing future editions:
1. Although this is a book published by an academic publishing house, the dating system used is both culturally and religiously biased. Throughout the text, a ***western and Christian*** dating system is used habitually. That is, the use of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or year of the Lord) when dating periods of time. This Christian dating system has been almost entirely eliminated in scientific publications in favor of BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). This was done not to remove Christianity just for the sake of removing it, but instead to become more inclusive of the ***numerous*** religions (Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jains, Wiccans, and etc.) and non-religious peoples throughout the world. Amending the current dating system that is used to a scientific dating system is particularly important when considering the title of this work: “The Routledge Atlas of JEWISH History.” Likewise, if the atlas focused on Muslim history, it would be inappropriate to base the dates on a Christian and western dating system. Since Jewish people are the subject of this atlas, it would be more than appropriate to include Hebrew years on the maps to accompany any other dating system; the same can be said for atlases focusing on other cultures and religions. However, to save valuable space and to remain free of ethnocentric biases, I strongly recommend that the publisher amend the dating system to use the scientific one.
2. It would be nice to see several new maps added to this edition. For example (the below is not a complete list):
1. Maps on the origins of Chassidic dynasties in Europe and their eventual dispersion to various parts of the world;
2. A map of the Mea Shearim community in Jerusalem;
3. Maps on the spread of Reform and Conservative Judaism in the U.S. and Europe;
4. A map of Neolog communities in Hungary;
5. A map showing the spread of the Ba’al Shem Tov’s teachings across Europe;
6. Various maps revealing the destruction of Jewish cemeteries around the world;
7. Maps revealing the burial places of prominent rabbis in various countries;
8. A map specifically on Kristallnacht revealing the destruction of synagogues;
9. A map showing the dispersion of Yiddish;
10. A map showing the dispersion of Ladino;
11. Mao showing the spread of Kabbalah;
12. A map showing the travels of Josephus Flavius;
13. Maps revealing the creation of both the Israeli and Babylonian Talmud; and
14. Maps revealing the places and percentages of modern Yiddish and Ladino speakers.
3. Many maps need to be updated. For example, the map titled “From Slavery to the Promised Land” was created in 1969. There is no clear consensus that this is the route that the Israelites took. Scholars have identified a second possible route. This map needs to be updated to reveal this. Another few examples can be seen from the maps showing antisemitic incidents—all of which bear the year of 1992. The vast majority of maps are dated. As I went through the book, the latest date that I could find was 2010. The next edition needs some SERIOUS updates if Routledge is going to keep selling these editions at $18.12 for a Kindle book and $32.95 for a paperback.
4. As this is the 9th edition, the publisher needs to update the maps to reveal the accepted spelling of “antisemitism” in lieu of the book’s use of “anti-semitism.”
Overall, this is an excellent addition to my personal library and I would encourage others to invest in this book as well.
The maps are arranged chronologically, from ancient times to the 21st century. There are so many different types of maps, including maps of Jews living in Israel; in Nirth, Central, and South America; in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; under self-rule and both Muslim and Christian rule. Gilbert really did a fantastic job. Unfortunately, Gilbert died in 2015. However, the publishers are still putting out new editions of this work, so there are several things that Routledge must consider when publishing future editions:
1. Although this is a book published by an academic publishing house, the dating system used is both culturally and religiously biased. Throughout the text, a ***western and Christian*** dating system is used habitually. That is, the use of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or year of the Lord) when dating periods of time. This Christian dating system has been almost entirely eliminated in scientific publications in favor of BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). This was done not to remove Christianity just for the sake of removing it, but instead to become more inclusive of the ***numerous*** religions (Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jains, Wiccans, and etc.) and non-religious peoples throughout the world. Amending the current dating system that is used to a scientific dating system is particularly important when considering the title of this work: “The Routledge Atlas of JEWISH History.” Likewise, if the atlas focused on Muslim history, it would be inappropriate to base the dates on a Christian and western dating system. Since Jewish people are the subject of this atlas, it would be more than appropriate to include Hebrew years on the maps to accompany any other dating system; the same can be said for atlases focusing on other cultures and religions. However, to save valuable space and to remain free of ethnocentric biases, I strongly recommend that the publisher amend the dating system to use the scientific one.
2. It would be nice to see several new maps added to this edition. For example (the below is not a complete list):
1. Maps on the origins of Chassidic dynasties in Europe and their eventual dispersion to various parts of the world;
2. A map of the Mea Shearim community in Jerusalem;
3. Maps on the spread of Reform and Conservative Judaism in the U.S. and Europe;
4. A map of Neolog communities in Hungary;
5. A map showing the spread of the Ba’al Shem Tov’s teachings across Europe;
6. Various maps revealing the destruction of Jewish cemeteries around the world;
7. Maps revealing the burial places of prominent rabbis in various countries;
8. A map specifically on Kristallnacht revealing the destruction of synagogues;
9. A map showing the dispersion of Yiddish;
10. A map showing the dispersion of Ladino;
11. Mao showing the spread of Kabbalah;
12. A map showing the travels of Josephus Flavius;
13. Maps revealing the creation of both the Israeli and Babylonian Talmud; and
14. Maps revealing the places and percentages of modern Yiddish and Ladino speakers.
3. Many maps need to be updated. For example, the map titled “From Slavery to the Promised Land” was created in 1969. There is no clear consensus that this is the route that the Israelites took. Scholars have identified a second possible route. This map needs to be updated to reveal this. Another few examples can be seen from the maps showing antisemitic incidents—all of which bear the year of 1992. The vast majority of maps are dated. As I went through the book, the latest date that I could find was 2010. The next edition needs some SERIOUS updates if Routledge is going to keep selling these editions at $18.12 for a Kindle book and $32.95 for a paperback.
4. As this is the 9th edition, the publisher needs to update the maps to reveal the accepted spelling of “antisemitism” in lieu of the book’s use of “anti-semitism.”
Overall, this is an excellent addition to my personal library and I would encourage others to invest in this book as well.
August 10, 2023
This fascinating Atlas traces the history of the Jewish people, from the early Jewish migration from Ur to Canaan, in about 2000 BC, up to developments in the modern State of Israel.
He traces the migration of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land, and the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, the whereabouts of the Twelve Tribes of Ancient Israel, the kingdoms of David and Solomon 1000 to 925 BC, as well as the destruction of Jewish independence by the Assyrians and Babylonians and the subsequent deportations and dispersions of the Israelites.
The book shows us maps revealing the Hasmonean Kingdom and the Jewish revolts against Roman Rule.
Gilbert outlines the development of ancient Jewish communities in Iraq, Persia, India and China, as well as Europe, the persecutions, pogroms, expulsions and different places of settlements of the Jews throughout the world.
The book deals with some lesser known facts such as the whereabouts of the Karaite Jews, 10 000 of whom were murdered by the Nazis in Crimea, in 1943, the fact that in 1805 Napoleon formed a Jewish battalion that fought at Waterloo, while in 1799 the Jews of Jerusalem joined the Turks in preparing to defend the city, and in 1812, the Jews of Russia, supported their Russian overlords against Napoleon, as they feared that Napoleon's liberalization would be a threat to their orthodoxy.
A fascinating map shows the possible whereabouts of the ten lost Tribes of Israel, and the intriguing possibility that their descendants could include the Ibos of Nigeria, the Masai Tribe of East Africa, the Berbers of North Africa, the Khazars, the Bnei Menashe of Eastern
India, the Karens of Burma, and the Shinadai Tribe of Japan.
Other maps show the development of Jewish life in the Americas, Jewish military activity from from 1794 to 1967, the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel, the numbers of Jews in Europe at the outbreak of World War II, and those that perished in the Holocaust, the numbers of Jews who fled Europe for Palestine, during the Holocaust, Jewish resistance against Nazis persecution in Europe, and against Arab pogroms in Palestine, and Israel's War of Independence in 1948, the Suez War of 1956 and the Six Day war of 1967, describing the balance on the eve of that war of Arab and Israeli forces:
The total Arab strength was 547 000 troops, 2 504 tanks and 957 combat aircrafts, while Israel's strength consisted of 264 000 troops, 800 tanks and 300 Combat aircrafts.
While the author is correct about persecution in Europe, of the Jews, by Christians, he underestimates and does not fully describe the many massacres and pogroms against Jews in Moslem-ruled lands, as well as the severe dhimmni status under which they lived.
Nevertheless Gilbert succeeds, in illustrating the vast panorama of the Jewish people, through the ages.
He makes obscure periods in Jewish history better known, if only in outline, leaving the reader the task of embarking on deeper research.
Finally the book leaves the reader amazed at the endurability of a people who survived thousands of years of hostility and attempts to destroy it, and were gathered together once again in their ancient homeland, having to defend their homeland against 100 million Arabs, and a very large chunk of hostile world opinion.
He traces the migration of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land, and the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, the whereabouts of the Twelve Tribes of Ancient Israel, the kingdoms of David and Solomon 1000 to 925 BC, as well as the destruction of Jewish independence by the Assyrians and Babylonians and the subsequent deportations and dispersions of the Israelites.
The book shows us maps revealing the Hasmonean Kingdom and the Jewish revolts against Roman Rule.
Gilbert outlines the development of ancient Jewish communities in Iraq, Persia, India and China, as well as Europe, the persecutions, pogroms, expulsions and different places of settlements of the Jews throughout the world.
The book deals with some lesser known facts such as the whereabouts of the Karaite Jews, 10 000 of whom were murdered by the Nazis in Crimea, in 1943, the fact that in 1805 Napoleon formed a Jewish battalion that fought at Waterloo, while in 1799 the Jews of Jerusalem joined the Turks in preparing to defend the city, and in 1812, the Jews of Russia, supported their Russian overlords against Napoleon, as they feared that Napoleon's liberalization would be a threat to their orthodoxy.
A fascinating map shows the possible whereabouts of the ten lost Tribes of Israel, and the intriguing possibility that their descendants could include the Ibos of Nigeria, the Masai Tribe of East Africa, the Berbers of North Africa, the Khazars, the Bnei Menashe of Eastern
India, the Karens of Burma, and the Shinadai Tribe of Japan.
Other maps show the development of Jewish life in the Americas, Jewish military activity from from 1794 to 1967, the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel, the numbers of Jews in Europe at the outbreak of World War II, and those that perished in the Holocaust, the numbers of Jews who fled Europe for Palestine, during the Holocaust, Jewish resistance against Nazis persecution in Europe, and against Arab pogroms in Palestine, and Israel's War of Independence in 1948, the Suez War of 1956 and the Six Day war of 1967, describing the balance on the eve of that war of Arab and Israeli forces:
The total Arab strength was 547 000 troops, 2 504 tanks and 957 combat aircrafts, while Israel's strength consisted of 264 000 troops, 800 tanks and 300 Combat aircrafts.
While the author is correct about persecution in Europe, of the Jews, by Christians, he underestimates and does not fully describe the many massacres and pogroms against Jews in Moslem-ruled lands, as well as the severe dhimmni status under which they lived.
Nevertheless Gilbert succeeds, in illustrating the vast panorama of the Jewish people, through the ages.
He makes obscure periods in Jewish history better known, if only in outline, leaving the reader the task of embarking on deeper research.
Finally the book leaves the reader amazed at the endurability of a people who survived thousands of years of hostility and attempts to destroy it, and were gathered together once again in their ancient homeland, having to defend their homeland against 100 million Arabs, and a very large chunk of hostile world opinion.
January 2, 2023
I was very excited when I found this book on one of my Thrift Store side trips because I have a young Grand Niece and Nephew, and I wanted to give them a book they would be able to keep around as they grew up to keep them in touch with their roots. I am always on the lookout for Hindi, English and Jewish history and culture as these three traditions feature large in the family now. I wanted stories of Jewish history beyond the horrors of the holocaust - to learn about the travels , culture and merchantry that Jews in Europe, the Middle East and Asia were participating in and pioneering. I was looking for more of the sort of immigrant success stories we expect as North Americans. but as I read- I felt less and less positive about this book for a younger audience. Except for a few hundred years of the Biblical Jewish Kingdom in Israel- and the last few years since WWII and the Creation of Israel- Jews have been basically a persecuted people for all of time. Stealing our goods, our honour, our children, our wealth, or our lives seems to have been fun and games for Every Culture in which we lived. It's an amazing litany of constant abuse, small indignities and extra taxation in the Muslim world with violent attacks every few decades - whilst in the Christian world a Constant flurry of abuse , murder and gross theft - with the occasional bit of slavery tossed in for good measure. With no "Home" nation to look out for Jewish interests- they were a small minority in every other culture in which they lived- and every majority that could take advantage- did. There are times one can go several pages of excellent maps- that catalog nothing but abuse- until you light on a page showing perhaps the excellence of Jewish Scientists and Doctors- or some business achievement-and then back to page after page of Riots, Massacres, Expulsions, or Pogroms- the last a word invented purely to describe- Jew hunting. it made me question my parents' hope that this era was over- having had Antisemitic incidents in my recent life- and witnessing the Anti-semitic rancor that broke out earlier in 2021. Martin Gilbert, a popular Cartographer/Historian has put this vivid graphic telling of history together - but the question he cannot answer- is WHY...?
I found myself wondering what I will tell my Grand Niece and Nephew when I read this book with them? Why did Christians, Muslims and other Cultures feel the need to victimise Jews at every turn. The Crusades killed more Jews it seems than ever they did Muslims. How did the silly and insanely bizarre canard develop that Jews need Children's Blood to make the most boring food product EVER- Matzah? How did people feel that killing Jews and taking their stuff was totally fine for Christians to do for like 1500 years? Jews were only "Emancipated" in that they no longer had to obey a whole set of extra Laws/Rules that did not apply to regular Gentile European Citizens- in the 1860s-80s (!!!!!) -essentially the same timeframe as the end of slavery in the US. I understand how that was a time of reform- what I have trouble comprehending is how Gentiles went so far out of their way to abuse, harass and murder Jews- and then spout a constant flow of hypocritical pap about "love" and "respect" for guest cultures. One has only to look at the 1ooo years of literally constant terrorising of Jewish populations all over Europe to see the Catholic and Orthodox churches involved about half the time. What was the POINT? There was none- it was just an orgy of hate and abuse. With the creation of Israel- Arab states apparently chose to pile on- catching up to their Western colonisers by adding riots and pogroms to the excessive laws- and then trying to punish those who tried to leave for Israel or the US. It really makes one understand why Israel- as a refuge for Jews abused anywhere in the world is such an important concept, however flawed the actual nation may be.
With this book the presentation is well within the ken of any Junior Reader over about 8, but the continual grim subject matter make this better for a reader over 11 years- with some adult supervision. For my usual audience of Gamers/Modelers/Military Enthusiasts, this is not a very productive book. Only in a small era in ancient History- and with Israel since 1948 have Jews been able to respond to this torrent of abuse and murder with any kind of equal force. Most of this vast history of shameful conduct has been conducted by Civilians and Civil authorities aiming to solve the "Jewish Question" without the use of words. I really hope that readers, Jewish and Non-Jewish, will see the disgusting and reprehensible actions of the Antisemites in this book- and see that just about every nation in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and the Americas have treated this one minority as poorly as they have treated just about anyone. I hope that the understanding the Anti-Semitism IS Racism will finally seep through to the majority- and they will cease this ridiculously counter productive hate that some people hold onto like a talisman. Maybe if we all learned the history in this book- my little Grand Niece and Nephew CAN grow up in world that respects all their roots. A strong recommendation- but a really bracing tale to be told.
I found myself wondering what I will tell my Grand Niece and Nephew when I read this book with them? Why did Christians, Muslims and other Cultures feel the need to victimise Jews at every turn. The Crusades killed more Jews it seems than ever they did Muslims. How did the silly and insanely bizarre canard develop that Jews need Children's Blood to make the most boring food product EVER- Matzah? How did people feel that killing Jews and taking their stuff was totally fine for Christians to do for like 1500 years? Jews were only "Emancipated" in that they no longer had to obey a whole set of extra Laws/Rules that did not apply to regular Gentile European Citizens- in the 1860s-80s (!!!!!) -essentially the same timeframe as the end of slavery in the US. I understand how that was a time of reform- what I have trouble comprehending is how Gentiles went so far out of their way to abuse, harass and murder Jews- and then spout a constant flow of hypocritical pap about "love" and "respect" for guest cultures. One has only to look at the 1ooo years of literally constant terrorising of Jewish populations all over Europe to see the Catholic and Orthodox churches involved about half the time. What was the POINT? There was none- it was just an orgy of hate and abuse. With the creation of Israel- Arab states apparently chose to pile on- catching up to their Western colonisers by adding riots and pogroms to the excessive laws- and then trying to punish those who tried to leave for Israel or the US. It really makes one understand why Israel- as a refuge for Jews abused anywhere in the world is such an important concept, however flawed the actual nation may be.
With this book the presentation is well within the ken of any Junior Reader over about 8, but the continual grim subject matter make this better for a reader over 11 years- with some adult supervision. For my usual audience of Gamers/Modelers/Military Enthusiasts, this is not a very productive book. Only in a small era in ancient History- and with Israel since 1948 have Jews been able to respond to this torrent of abuse and murder with any kind of equal force. Most of this vast history of shameful conduct has been conducted by Civilians and Civil authorities aiming to solve the "Jewish Question" without the use of words. I really hope that readers, Jewish and Non-Jewish, will see the disgusting and reprehensible actions of the Antisemites in this book- and see that just about every nation in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and the Americas have treated this one minority as poorly as they have treated just about anyone. I hope that the understanding the Anti-Semitism IS Racism will finally seep through to the majority- and they will cease this ridiculously counter productive hate that some people hold onto like a talisman. Maybe if we all learned the history in this book- my little Grand Niece and Nephew CAN grow up in world that respects all their roots. A strong recommendation- but a really bracing tale to be told.
January 29, 2018
Well it's an atlas of Jewish history all right. Lots of maps showing things in Jewish history. I'm going to use this to work with my new medieval persona.
March 5, 2026
This was fascinating, enlightening and often depressing.
February 7, 2018
This is quite an old publication and as such only goes up to 1980. Martin Gilbert, one of our most eminent (and readable) historians, applies his scholarship in graphical form, charting the diaspora through a series of annotated maps. Most interesting to me are those from the Middle Ages, showing just how widespread Jews were in Europe in medieval times, in spite of almost continuous and devastating persecution. Some of the maps don't really add anything to the accompanying narrative in text boxes, but it's a minor quibble for what is still a fascinating and informative book.
July 12, 2020
This is a really fascinating book. Not your usual atlas! I am using it this semester for a Jewish history class I am teaching and find that it is a great way to engage students beyond just this happened and then this happened and here are some famous people in history. The maps are about more than just geography. They are also about ideas, movements, and people. You really see how Jews have traveled far and wide and the different cultures they have affected and been affected by. It is also just fun to sit in a chair with a cup of tea and peruse this book. Fascinating stuff!
October 6, 2016
I don't know if Martin believed that he achieved his stated goal--to not dwell upon the negative aspects and make this book more a celebration than anything else--but I certainly found it all a very glum business indeed.
November 22, 2024
Everyone who wants to understand the history of the Jews should read this.
It covers a broad spectrum and is very informative.
However I sometimes thought that it wasn‘t very well structured and it got confusing at certain points.
But overall a fascinating read.
It covers a broad spectrum and is very informative.
However I sometimes thought that it wasn‘t very well structured and it got confusing at certain points.
But overall a fascinating read.
Read
November 23, 2016Fantastic resource for anyone interested in or teaching about Jewish history.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews