The Jewish Odyssey: An Illustrated History

by Marek Halter

The far-reaching story of a people that, despite facing perpetual struggle, has shaped modern civilization. In The Jewish Odyssey, best-selling author Marek Halter charts the course of Judaism from its origins in Mesopotamia to its place in the world today. Predating all Western culture, its early development of the written word enabled it to lay the foundations of modern civilization. Richly illustrated, the book addresses the extent of Jewish suffering over the years, as well as the lasting contributions of Jews in fields such as science, politics, philosophy, and the arts—from Gutenberg to Einstein, Freud to Trotsky, and Kafka to Dylan. Halter explains the delicate state of interdependence that exists between the significant Jewish Diaspora communities worldwide and the Israeli nation, taking into account the Zionist notion of the Jewish "promised land." With his expertise, international status, and political insight, Halter offers a unique and compelling view on contemporary issues ranging from anti-Semitism to the emergence of multi-faith families. This engaging illustrated tribute to the Jewish story culminates in a message of hope for the universal freedom of all mankind.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Marek Halter was born in Poland in 1936. During World War II, he and his parents narrowly escaped from the Warsaw ghetto. After a time in Russia and Uzbekistan, they emigrated to France in 1950. There Halter studied pantomime with Marcel Marceau and embarked on a career as a painter that led to several international exhibitions. In 1967, he founded the International Committee for a Negotiated Peace Agreement in the Near East and played a crucial role in the organization of the first official meetings between Palestinians and Israelis.

In the 1970s, Marek Halter turned to writing. He first published The Madman and the Kings, which was awarded the Prix Aujourd’hui in 1976. He is also the author of several internationally acclaimed, bestselling historical novels, including The Messiah, The Mysteries of Jerusalem, The Book of Abraham, which won the Prix du Livre Inter, and Sarah, the first of the Canaan trilogy, and Lilah, the concluding one.

Reviews

[Afrijewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting visuals.

[Michael Arden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grand sweep of the Jewish contribution to civilization, as well as the suffering of the Jewish people over four thousand years, is captured in this superbly illustrated history by best selling French author, Marek Halter.

[Joc-e-lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ouvrage intéressant et très instructif. Quelques lacunes du point de vue de l'historiographie juive de la période de l'Ancien testament et du premier millénaire qui peuvent s'expliquer par l'ampleur des détails à couvrir sur une période de plus de 4000 ans et les buts de l'auteur.

[Jean-Loup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great