Winner of the Azrieli Award for Best Book in Israel StudiesIn late summer 1929; a countrywide outbreak of Arab-Jewish-British violence transformed the political landscape of Palestine forever. In contrast with those who point to the wars of 1948 and 1967; historian Hillel Cohen marks these bloody events as year zero of the Arab-Israeli conflict that persists today. The murderous violence inflicted on Jews caused a fractious—and now traumatized—community of Zionists; non-Zionists; Ashkenazim; and Mizrachim to coalesce around a unified national consciousness arrayed against an implacable Arab enemy. While the Jews unified; Arabs came to grasp the national essence of the conflict; realizing that Jews of all stripes viewed the land as belonging to the Jewish people. Through memory and historiography; in a manner both associative and highly calculated; Cohen traces the horrific events of August 23 to September 1 in painstaking detail. He extends his geographic and chronological reach and uses a non-linear reconstruction of events to call for a thorough reconsideration of cause and effect. Sifting through Arab and Hebrew sources—many rarely; if ever; examined before—Cohen reflects on the attitudes and perceptions of Jews and Arabs who experienced the events and; most significantly; on the memories they bequeathed to later generations. The result is a multifaceted and revealing examination of a formative series of episodes that will intrigue historians; political scientists; and others interested in understanding the essence—and the very beginning—of what has been an intractable conflict.
#526750 in Books Savas Beatie 2013-02-20 2013-03-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .70 x 5.90l; .80 #File Name: 1611210941224 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The cavalry at GettysburgBy Steven PetersonThere have been a number of authors who speak of Robert E. Lee's third day generalship. Including an attack on the rear of Union forces as the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble charge took place--dfter a massive artillery bombardment. Well; if this plan was in place it did not work. Wittenberg's book is a solid contribution here.He directly contradicts the thesis by Carhart and others what Lee contemplated a linked offensive--artillery; infantry; and cavalry on Day # 3. In that; this is a useful book; joining the thesis of other authors.What the book does especially well is to describe the "back and forth" battle in considerable detail. George Custer showed some courage in serving under General Gregg when he had been ordered to another position. His "Wolverines" (Michigan regiments) had a measurable impact on the battle. General Gregg had a very good day in command. The book makes that clear--with plenty of detail.Jeb Stuart's cavalry and the Union forces fought well. By this time; Union cavalry could hold their own. Buford; on the first day of Gettysburg; demonstrated that. Just so; Gregg's forces.Overall; a good contribution to the cavalry forces' role at Gettysburg.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Well grounded academics with an engaging writing styleBy LimaBNIt is truly a pleasure to find recent academic study that turns up new ground so well. "Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg" joins "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" and "One Continuous Fight" on my shelf of "Keepers." Detailed; but not to the point of exhausting the reader; this book stays closely grounded to the realities facing the commanders and soldiers on the field at the time. Mr. Wittenberg's close attention to the lay of the land and the timing of the events as they occurred brings a sense of secure knowledge and understanding to the reader.As an aside; I have never seen a better evisceration of unfounded scholarship. Another author; new to the demands of accurate history; had recently resurrected the fanciful theory that Stuart was trying to coordinate his cavalry efforts from the east with those of the Pickett/Pettigrew infantry charge on the western slope by "firing four rounds" from a cannon (7 miles distant) as a signal.Carefully; thoroughly; and completely; Mr. Wittenberg totally demolishes the wishful thinking that mars too many efforts in this field. And he does it politely; without any trace of snark or disrespect. One can only wish such critical thinking and careful logic were more prevalent in our country today.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An excellent read - Wittenberg offers a well written and thorough piece on the cavalry actions of the Gettysburg campaignBy J. FioravantiEric Wittenberg is perhaps the most knowledgeable author writing on the cavalry actions of Battle of Gettysburg. This latest book from Mr. Wittenberg does not disappoint in offering the reader a well researched and thorough piece of history on this part of the Gettysburg campaign. It is well written and gives important new insights on the cavalry actions at Gettysburg. Deserves to be on the shelf of any Civil War enthusiast and especially those with an interest in fine tuning their knowledge of the Battle of Gettysburg. When read in conjunction with his other book on the forgotten cavalry actions at Gettysburg you will have a new and greater appreciation for this part of campaign; while raising these actions in importance to the level of some of the more well known infantry actions during July 1-3; 1863.
