Modern Jews tend to relate to the past through “history;†which relies on empirical demonstration and rational thought; rather than through “memory;†which relies on the non-rational architectures of mythology. By now “history†has surpassed “memory†as a means of relating to the past—a development that falls short in building identity and creates disconnection between Jews and their collective history. Kurtzer seeks to mend this breach. Drawing on key classical texts; he shows that “history†and “memory†are not exclusive and that the perceived dissonance between them can be healed by a selective reclamation of the past and a translation of that past into purposefulness.
#1106307 in Books 2015-09-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .79 x 5.98l; .0 #File Name: 1611176123352 pages
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A mostly forgotten heroBy Jessica AtwaterI read this book primarily as research for some historical fiction I am writing; but I found myself engrossed well beyond the scope of my research. It is a humane and intriguing portrait of an idealist ahead of his time. Highly recommended.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Biography of the "Revolutionary Manumission Abolitionist" John Laurens -- Ignore the 1-Star ReviewsBy J. AndersonThis is an EXCELLENT biography of a true American hero of the Revolutionary War by an outstanding historian. Pay no attention to all the 1-star reviews by a bunch of slacktivists with a particular socio-political agenda. This book -- which is the definitive biography of the "revolutionary manumission abolitionist"; Lt. Col. John Laurens; deserves a far-better rating from those reviewing it than it currently enjoys at the hands of a smattering of aggrieved SJWs.Lt. Col. Laurens has recently come to the attention of a far wider audience than might normally be expected because of the portrayal of him in Hamilton: An American Musical. Interestingly; given that the socio-political views of the show's creator align with those of these 1-star reviewers; the musical makes no mention of an alleged sexual relationship between Hamilton and Laurens. It is no doubt the cause of much consternation to many of this biography's erstwhile reviewers that even a pro-LGBT liberal like Lin-Manuel Miranda -- who had sole artistic and creative license over Hamilton: An American Musical and could have done anything he wanted -- was not willing to go out on that particular limb based on an interpretation of the Hamilton-Laurens correspondence that calls for conjecture not otherwise supported by the historical record.So; why should the historian who wrote this outstanding biography -- with far less leeway for speculation and conjecture than what Lin had to work with -- be expected to make that leap? Read this book. But also read the primary sources. Explore the cultural context in which the primary record was created. Then decide for yourself based on the historical record; not based on an agenda. John Laurens deserves to be known and -- apart from primary sources -- this definitive biography is the best means to accomplish that.5-PLUS STARS *****+.78 of 108 people found the following review helpful. listen up palBy Mark H Terrisjohn laurens wasnt straight my man. listen. he was Gay and i wont stand for him being disrespected and slandered like this.
