The Rise and Fall of Jewish Nationalism: Jewish and Christian Ethnicity in Ancient Palestine

by Doron Mendels

Overview

This superior account of the development of Jewish nationalism offers one of those rare glimpses into the past that can truly illuminate the present. In The Rise and Fall of Jewish Nationalism Doron Mendels combines his unique insight into ancient Palestine with a careful analysis of historical and literary sources, from Josephus to New Testament apocrypha, to explore the development of Jewish nationalism within the context of the nationalism of the Hellenistic world. Originally published as part of the Anchor Bible Reference Library, this study is of interest not only for its brilliant discussion of Jewish nationalism during the Second Temple period but also because its subject matter echoes the thorny questions raised by the Israeli- Palestinian peace talks of today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802843296
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/10/1997
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	462
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.96(d)

About the Author

Professor of ancient history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Editorial Reviews

This new title in the ``Anchor Bible Reference Library'' series proves that nationalism is not a modern phenomenon in the volatile Middle East but existed as a major force in ancient times as well. Mendels (ancient history, Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem) presents an in-depth study of Jewish nationalism in the Hellenistic world, from 200 B.C.E. to the failure of the Bar Kochba Revolt in 135 C.E. Mendels anchors his work in four key concepts that, he states, form the basic foundation for defining ancient nationalism: territory, temple or cult, kingship, and army. This is an excellent political history of ancient Judea during this period, but the tone is far too scholarly for general collections. Recommended solely for academic and scholarly libraries.-- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio

Library Journal

Mendels (ancient history, Hebrew U. of Jerusalem) avoids the detailed scholarly debates, attempting to bring readers close to the original texts, the goal being increased understanding of Jewish nationalism within the context of the nationalism of the Hellenistic world. The bibliography comprises works published since 1980 and is particularly aimed at an English-speaking public. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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