This superb collection presents more than forty incisive portraits of leading Jewish thinkers; artists; scientists; and other public figures of the last hundred years who; in their own unique ways; engaged with and helped shape the modern world.Makers of Jewish Modernity features entries on political figures such as Walther Rathenau; Rosa Luxemburg; and David Ben-Gurion; philosophers and critics such as Walter Benjamin; Hannah Arendt; Isaiah Berlin; Jacques Derrida; and Judith Butler; and artists such as Mark Rothko. The book provides fresh insights into the lives and careers of novelists like Franz Kafka; Saul Bellow; and Philip Roth; the filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen; social scientists such as Sigmund Freud; religious leaders and thinkers such as Avraham Kook and Martin Buber; and many others. Written by a diverse group of leading contemporary scholars from around the world; these vibrant and frequently surprising portraits offer a global perspective that highlights the multiplicity of Jewish experience and thought.A reference book like no other; Makers of Jewish Modernity includes an informative general introduction that situates its subjects within the broader context of Jewish modernity as well as a rich selection of photos.
#132371 in Books 2013-06-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.57 x 1.02 x 5.44l; .79 #File Name: 0691155933384 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Who could resist that cover?By Henry RaymontIt is most difficult to 'review' this wonderful writer for one who is not a professional historian. In addition to his wit and wisdom; he provides political insights and a record of diplomatic history that rivals the learned tomes of Judd; Hobsbawm and Toynbee. (but not J.L Talmon; who reigns supreme for insight; wisdom--and acid wit; not unlike Berlin's. As a newspaperman I simply rejoiced reading him--and perhaps envy his genius.basso di cornetto3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Against TotalitarianismBy MarcusThe essays in this book reflect about the enlightenment; fascism; violence and utopia. In politics; the ideal is always enemy of the real. Isaiah Berlin exposed the work of some men (politicians; intelectuals; philosophers) about tolerance; state and freedom. The book presents an argument against totalitarianism; or better; a point for tolerance and freedom. Princeton University Press made a good work; organizing and publishing the work of this great thinker.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Must Read for Understanding Intellectual HistoryBy C ThomsonThe most brilliant expositor of the history of ideas I know of. A masterful writer about complex material. Never tendentious yet a liberal moral thinker.
