Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Before the Left: the anti-Semitic thought of the European enlightenment; 2. France; 3. Germany; 4. Great Britain; 5. Conclusion.

Promotional Information

This study examines fully the role that the historic European left has played in developing and espousing anti-Semitic views.

About the Author

William Brustein is Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs and Professor of Sociology, Political Science and History at Ohio State University. Louisa Roberts is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at Ohio State University.

Reviews

'With a well-documented analysis of anti-Semitic discourse in nineteenth- and twentieth-century political speech, books, pamphlets, manifestos, and right-wing and leftist newspapers, Brustein and Roberts argue that leftist movements contributed to themes and narratives that fueled modern European anti-Semitism. The animosity of the left to Jews stemmed from the conviction that Judaism was anti-modern, Jews were responsible for the evils of capitalism, and Jews were lukewarm nationalists. In France and Germany, these beliefs were not just a minor sideshow to virulent right-wing anti-Semitism but were shared by both adversaries. In the struggle with fascism the socialists did not fully distance themselves from anti-Semitism. In light of this record, the authors raise questions about the contemporary leftist position on Israeli-Palestinian issues. There is much to learn and think about in this well-written book.' Anthony Oberschall, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill