This fascinating history by an eminent scholar explores the relationship between Jews and Arabs; from their beginnings 3;000 years ago into the 1970s. Although originally written in 1954; it was revised in 1974 to extend its reach in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The account remains current in its outlook because of the focus on social and cultural contacts as opposed to political and military issues. Its long-range examination of the reciprocal influence between these two peoples provides many valuable insights into the present-day impasse in their relations.Jews and Arabs encompasses numerous subjects of historical and contemporary relevance: the myth of the so-called Semitic races; the Jewish tradition in Islam; the actual and legal position of Jews under Arabic Islam; the rise of Jewish philosophy under Islamic influence; Jewish and Islamic mysticism and poetry; and law and ritual. Author S. D. Goitein was the first professor of Islamic studies at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University; and this study reflects his 30 years of experience in the field; which includes surveys of Muslim religious literature; Oriental Jewish communities; and medieval Egyptian documents. Erudite and well written; this volume is indispensable to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Arab-Jewish relationship.
#4269689 in Books 1996-11-15 1996-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .79 x 5.42 x 8.49l; .96 #File Name: 0486293793416 pages
Review
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Readers have to understand the context...By JF NahasDonald Alexander Mackenzie (1873 - March 2; 1936) was a Scottish journalist and prolific writer on religion; mythology and anthropology in the early 20th century. His works included Indian Myth and Legend; Celtic Folklore and Myths of China and Japan.Archeology and History; just like any other subjects; evolve in time as the result of new findings/developments. Readers must remember that this book was written almost 100 years ago; since then our understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations have evolved a lot.10 of 33 people found the following review helpful. Just Another White Man...By Ricardo Gil Jr.Just another white man trying to prove Europeans and other non-Indians brought civilization to Ixachilan. It is easy to see why he would be jealous...Indigenous Americans had the most advanced civilizations in the world as of 1519.The largest city in the world was Mexico-Tenochtitlan. The Mexica had the largest library in the world with information on more subjects than any other civilization. (Soustelle) They were also more advanced in medicine than Europeans. (Soustelle) The Aztec/Mayan calendars are still the most accurate calendars in the world. (Mann) Ancient Mexicans genetically engineered maize in man's first and greatest feat of genetic engineering. (Mann) Mayans invented the concept of 0 before any other civilization on Earth...Europeans did not understand it until recently. (Mann) They were also the greatest mathematicians the world has ever seen. The Olmecs knew that the Earth was round thousands of years before it was accepted in Europe. The Aztec pyramids are the largest in the world. Caral; in South America; will probably be proven to be the oldest of Earth's civilizations. The pyramids at Caral are older than any in Egypt. So now I ask the author of this book how Europeans could have brought us civilization before they had it themselves?
