This book builds upon my previous work; A People That Shall Dwell Alone: Judaism asa Group Evolutionary Strategy (MacDonald 1994/2002; hereafter PTSDA). While PTSDA focused on developing a theory of Judaism within anevolutionary framework; the present volume focuses on the phenomenon ofanti-Semitism. Judaism and anti-Semitism fairly cry out for an evolutionaryinterpretation. Anti-Semitism has been a very robust tendency over a very longperiod of human history and in a wide range of societies with different formsof government; different economic systems; and different dominant religiousideologies. Many anti-Semitic episodes; such as the Iberian inquisitions andthe Nazi holocaust; have been characterized by extraordinary intra-societal violence.Moreover; anti-Semitism has sometimes been characterized by a very overt;self-conscious racialism...a phenomenon that immediately suggests the relevanceof evolutionary theory. The basic thesis of this book can be summarized bythe proposition that Judaism must be conceptualized as a group strategycharacterized by cultural and genetic segregation from gentile societiescombined with resource competition and conflicts of interest with segments ofgentile societies. This cultural and genetic separatism combined with resourcecompetition and other conflicts of interest tend to result in division andhatred within the society.Nevertheless; as Leslie White (1966; 3) wrote manyyears ago in his discussion of the Boasian school of anthropology as apolitically inspired cult; "One who follows procedures such as these incurs therisk of being accused of indulging in non-scholarly; personal attacks upon whomhe discusses. Such a charge is; in fact; expectable and completely in keepingwith the thesis of this essay. We wish to state that no personal attacks areintended." No personal or ethnic attacks are intended here;either. Nevertheless; the charge that this is an anti-Semitic book is; to useWhite's phrase; expectable and completely in keeping wit
#106178 in Books Wiley-Blackwell 2005-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.50 x 6.20l; 1.80 #File Name: 1405134631480 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An excellent bookBy mbThis is a very thorough and thoroughly documents history/biography of Anne Boleyn. It is refreshingly free of the hype; assumptions; and psychobabble that so frequently accompany and discussion of this truly remarkable woman. Ives examines some of the popular myths and legends when they are germane to the history and actors; and his explanation of why they could or could not be true are fascinatingly documented arguments based on minute research and knowledge of the era and customs. There is something for everyone in this book. First; of course; there is Anne Boleyn who has to be one of the most interesting women to have ever lived. And there is the world of her upbringing (she not being highly visible until Henry got interested in her and even then she is masked in a swirl of propaganda); the politics and culture of the Tudor Court; European politics; and many of the players including Henry; Cromwell; Wolsey; Anne's family; Katherine of Aragon; Mary Tudor. The book includes a deep exploration of belief and philosophical outlook and 16th century perceptions of the world that are so different then our own. There is also costume; dress; illuminated books; ceremonies; and jewelry. And the love story that went so wrong so fast but left a lasting imprint 500 years later.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. If You're Looking For Detail; You Won't Be DIsappointedBy Beverly DiehlAn exhaustive (and sometimes exhausting) look at the Queen who changed the course of English and world history. What this book does very well is examine all the minutiae we have of the Anne Boleyn period; from inventories of plate and bed hangings; to portraits and jewelry. And it dissects and analyzes all the accounts we have of this happening and that; judging why this account based on rumor is likely to be true; and why the other may not.Where it failed for me is conveying an emotional connection to Anne Boleyn herself. It feels a bit cold; and detached; and parts are tedious - pages upon pages about each cup and prayer book; though if you're fascinated by such things; you'll be in antique heaven.Still; there are many; many details here I've not found in other books about Anne or this period; so it's invaluable as a reference. It takes the point of view that Anne's downfall was due more to Cromwell seeing her as a threat and taking her and her "party" out of the way; than by the King seeking to dispose of her in order to marry Jane Seymour (not that he wasted any time doing so). Definitely belongs on the shelf of all Tudor-philes.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Anne Boleyn BibleBy MGLThis book is known as the Anne Boleyn bible. It is the go to book for anything about Anne Boleyn. There are those who may not agree with Ives conclusions but I think he supported his ideas well. I would suggest buying this book in hard copy because if you are interested in Anne Boleyn this is a book you will want to read more then once. It is quoted by all Anne Boleyn scholars. The passing of Eric Ives was a great loss to the Hisorical community. Who was responsible for Anne's fall? Ives will give you a lot of information to think about. BeautifulIy researched. A must have book for any Anne Boleyn enthusisast. You do not have to be a scholar to understand this treasure.
