In Search of Israel

“Finalist for the 2018 National Jewish Book Award in History, Gerrard and Ella Berman Memorial Award”“Brenner … once again provides a concise and accessible look at a complex topic with this history of modern Zionism… . Even readers familiar with the contours of this history will still find something to learn in Brenner’s even-handed take.” * Publishers Weekly *“A lucid, valuable text about a homeland that may not yet be a light unto the nations but is surely unique.” * Kirkus *“Sophisticated in exposition, drawing on wide-ranging literary sources, among others, and judicious in its treatment of vexatious issues, Brenner’s book demonstrates that Israel today is neither a Garden of Eden nor another Albania.”—Bernard Wasserstein, Literary Review“It is a rare history that compels the reader to think constantly about the present and even about the future. But that is what the historian Michael Brenner has accomplished in this meticulous journey through the labyrinth of yearning that has led to the modern State of Israel.”—David K. Shipler, Moment Magazine“A timely and useful survey.”—Jonathan Kirsch, Jewish Journal“Erudite and elegantly written.”—Shlomo Avineri, Jewish Review of Books“Innovative.”—Mark Baker, Australian Book Review“Brenner’s attentiveness to the power of these popular forms of expression gives his study its distinctiveness and importance.”—Brent E. Sasley, Middle East Journal“Majestic and deeply engaging… . Brenner’s book is a gem. It is a timely, brilliantly crafted, and expansively researched masterpiece.”—Scott Lasensky, Israel Studies Review

Michael Brenner is the Seymour and Lillian Abensohn Chair in Israel Studies and director of the Center for Israel Studies at American University and Professor of Jewish History and Culture at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. His many books include A Short History of the Jews (Princeton).