Israel: An Illustrated History

Plot

From Booklist
Gr. 10 and up. Historic photos, archival documents, and art reproductions, together with excerpts from primary sources, enrich this attractive volume, which authoritatively plumbs Israel's long history. The initial section traces the ancient Israelites from the prebiblical times of the eleventh century BCE to the rise of Islam in the seventh century CE. The second chapter picks up the account of Palestine for the next 1,300 years, a time of Muslim rule. Other chapters explore the rise of Zionism and the persistent conflicts between Jews and Arabs over the land, as well as the British influence in the strategic, ever-volatile area. The role of Palestinian Jews during World War II, the declaration of the modern state of Israel in 1948, and the crises and achievements of the nation during its first 50 years occupy the concluding chapters. Fascinating sidebars of information--e.g., about the Mossad, Israel's internal security service; the ingathering of Ethiopian Jews; the Zionist philanthropy of Baron Edmond de Rothschild--help Schroeter compress telling details in his comprehensive coverage. His insights into modern Israeli life are abundant and honestly address the social and economic tensions and the pressing security concerns of the culturally diverse nation. This up-to-date , significant history will bolster library collections. Ellen Mandel