Antisemitism: A History, ed. Albert S. Lindemann and Richard S. Levy
Bruce F. Pauley
‘Anti-Semitism’ is a relatively new term dating back only to the last quarter of nineteenth century. Prejudice against Jews, however, as authors this volume make abundantly clear, dates well before Christian era. Indeed, almost every modern stereotype Jews and Judaism can be found in Antiquity, Middle Ages, early Europe. Its causes have varied over centuries, but generally included mixture religious, social, political, economic motivations. very longevity wide geographic dispersion Jewish Diaspora it impossible for anyone an expert aspect prejudice. Hence need present book, which work sixteen distinguished scholars, nine whom are from United States, three Israel, one each England, Wales, Germany Canada. To say that anti-Semitism old not has been equally strong at all times countries. Nor until recent widely viewed requiring ‘solution’. The Romans, Philip Cunningham points out, tolerated religion centuries along with their refusal recognise emperor god. Alex Novikoff out ‘Jewish communities Carolingian Empire enjoyed considerable privileges protection’ (p. 67). It also known prospered under Moslem rule southern Spain late middle ages; Amsterdam during mercantilist period; Poland, prior its partition eighteenth century; Vienna reign Emperor Franz Joseph, 1848–1916.
The English Historical Review