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Antisemitism and Modernity

Innovation and Continuity

By Hyam Maccoby

Published June 8th 2009 by Routledge – 196 pages

Series: Routledge Jewish Studies Series

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Description

The subject of anti-Semitism, not long ago thought to be a dead issue, has been revised due to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Maccoby traces the now topical discussion of the origins of Anti-Semitism, and especially its development in the modern world. The key questions that are addressed include:

  • How is it that this medieval prejudice proved so lasting and potent?

  • Are the roots of anti-Semitism religious? If so, how do these roots differ in Christianity and Islam?

  • By what means did it bridge the gap between medievalism and Enlightenment?

  • How was it that many of the most respected Enlightenment figures (such as Voltaire) dedicated as they were to tolerance and pluralism, retained a virulent anti-Semitism?

These questions, and many more, are dealt with as Maccoby explores the roots of the anti-Semitism, tracing it from its origins, and shows how it has changed in accordance with the shifting ideas of the modern world but without changing in its essence.

Antisemitism and Modernity is essential reading for those with interests in the development of anti-Semitism, its manifestation in the current world and its future.

Contents

1. The Beginnings of Racist Antisemitism in Sixteenth-Century Spain 2. The Reformation 3. The Renaissance 4. The Enlightenment 5. The Nineteenth-Century: Wagner and the Alleged Jewish Threat to Culture 6. Nietzsche and the Jews: A Strange Case 7. Marx and the Beginnings of Leftwing Antisemitism 8. The Darwinist Theorists of Racist Antisemitism: During the Marr 9. The Antisemitism of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound: Cultural Antisemitism of the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century 10. Hitler and Nazism: The Avalanche of Hate 11. Western Awareness of Responsibility for Antisemitism 12. Zionism as Attempted Solution to Antisemitism 13. The Jews as Satan in the New Muslim Antisemitic Mythology 14. Prospects for Antisemitism, Factors for Improvement

Author Bio

Hyam Maccoby was a Research Professor at he Centre for Jewish Studies, Univeristy of Leeds. He has published many books and articles and they include The Philosophy of the Talmud (RoutledgeCurzon, 2002) and Ritual and Morality: The Ritual Purity System and its Place in Judaism (Cambridge University Press, 1999). His research interests are Jewish-Christian relations in ancient and medieval times; The New Testament in the light of the rabbinic writings; the philosophy of the Talmud and Jewish medieval philosophy.

Name: Antisemitism and Modernity: Innovation and Continuity (Paperback) – Routledge 
Description: By Hyam Maccoby. The subject of anti-Semitism, not long ago thought to be a dead issue, has been revised due to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Maccoby traces the now topical discussion of the origins of Anti-Semitism, and especially its development in...
Categories: Jewish Studies, Early Modern History 1500-1750, Judaism, Jewish Studies, Middle East History