Focuses on the international, political, religious, social, and diplomatic forces affecting the history of the Jews who identified with Zionism and later with the state of Israel.

'Highly recommended . . . The title of the book reflects its focus: the international, political, religious, social, and diplomatic forces affecting the history of the Jews who identified with Zionism and later with the state of Israel.' Library Journal


'As Ireland's representative to United Nations discussions of Palestinian refugees, Conor Cruise O'Brien sat between Israel and Iraq . . . O'Brien now suggests that a solution to Middle East anguish may not even be possible. That so bleak a view is the basis for so enlightening a book can be attributed to the author's capabilities as a historian, journalist and political analyst, not to mention storyteller.' Time


'One is hard pressed to recall another [book] which deals in depth with this vast and prickly subject that is as bold or as readable.' Publishers Weekly


'It bears the mark of a restless, original, idiosyncratic mind.' Abba Eban, Los Angeles Times


'A fine work of scholarship whose analysis stands up well in the light of later events.' Oliver Kamm, from his preface to this edition