History of the Jews

by Heinrich Hirsch Graetz
History of the Jews cover
Good Books rating 3.5
History
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  • ID: 7945
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • Publisher: Philadelphia : The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1956 [c1891-98]
  • Published: 1956-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the Jewish people's history, tracing their origins, cultural developments, and significant events that have shaped their identity. It delves into the religious, social, and political aspects of Jewish life, providing a nuanced understanding of their contributions to the world. Spanning centuries and continents, the narrative covers key periods such as the biblical era, the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, and the modern state of Israel. The book also examines the impact of anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and the ongoing struggle for Jewish self-determination.

Reviews
Britannica · 2025-10-27
comprehensive 4.00

The book is praised for its fluent and literary style, presenting a picturesque and heroic account of the Jewish people. It is considered a significant work in historical literature.

The reviewer highlights the fluent and literary style of Graetz's work, which presents a picturesque and heroic account of the entire history of the Jewish people. This style makes the book not only informative but also engaging and enjoyable to read. The reviewer notes that Graetz's work is significant in the realm of historical literature, offering a comprehensive and compelling narrative that brings the history of the Jewish people to life. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the understanding of Jewish history.

Quick quotes

    The History of the Jews is written in a fluent and literary style.

    It presents a picturesque and heroic account of the entire history of the Jewish people.

    Graetz's work is significant in the realm of historical literature.

Kol HaSeridim · Rav Hirsch · 2022-08-16
critical 2.00

The reviewer offers a scathing critique of Graetz's work, presenting it as a flawed biography. The critique is detailed and critical, highlighting various shortcomings.

Rav Hirsch provides a detailed and scathing critique of Graetz's work, presenting it as a flawed biography. The reviewer highlights various shortcomings and criticisms, offering a critical perspective on Graetz's historical account. Rav Hirsch's critique is thorough and detailed, providing a nuanced understanding of the flaws in Graetz's work. The reviewer's critical analysis offers valuable insights into the limitations and shortcomings of Graetz's historical narrative.

Quick quotes

    Here is Rav Hirsch's scathing critique of Graetz's work.

    The critique is detailed and critical, highlighting various shortcomings.

    Rav Hirsch's critique is thorough and detailed, providing a nuanced understanding of the flaws in Graetz's work.

Jewish Currents · 2016-09-06
inspiring 4.50

Graetz's narrative is impassioned and vivid, spanning from ancient Israel to 19th-century Germany. The prose is engaging, making complex historical events accessible and compelling.

Graetz's work is notable for its impassioned prose and vivid storytelling. The reviewer highlights how Graetz's narrative ranges across time and space, from ancient Israel to 19th-century Germany, crafting a compelling account of Jewish history. The prose is engaging and makes complex historical events accessible to a wide audience. The reviewer appreciates the depth and passion Graetz brings to his subject, making the history of the Jewish people come alive.

Quick quotes

    Graetz crafted his narratives in an impassioned prose that brings the history of the Jewish people to life.

    His work spans from ancient Israel to 19th-century Germany, offering a vivid and engaging account.

    Graetz's impassioned prose and vivid storytelling make complex historical events accessible and compelling.

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