The Jews

by Pierre Vidal-Naquet, Paul Berman (Foreword), David Ames Curtis (Translator)

These essays treat a range of issues from the ancient Jewish revolt against Roman rule and the much-mythologized martyrdom at Masada, the French Revolution, and Marxism's difficulties with the Jewish question, to Nazi genocide and the deep problems of representing it.

Genres: History, Jewish, Judaism

Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Pierre Vidal-Naquet was a French historian who began teaching at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS) in 1969.
Vidal-Naquet was a specialist in the study of Ancient Greece, but was also interested (and deeply involved) in contemporary history, particularly the Algerian War (1954–62), during which he opposed the use of torture by the French Army, as well as Jewish history. Having participated with Michel Foucault and Jean-Marie Domenach in the founding of the Groupe d'information sur les prisons (GIP), one of the first French new social movements, he criticized negationism. Vidal-Naquet, who never abandoned his fascination with Antiquity, was also a supporter of Middle East peace efforts.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't particularly useful for my project (beyond the reflections on individuals in history) but it is a breathtaking, brave, and relentlessly honest work of Jewish history. I'm glad to have read it.