The Jewish Odyssey: An Illustrated History »

Author, academic, and activist Marek Halter has published more than twenty books, including the best-selling Sarah from his Canaan trilogy. As a young child in 1940, Halter escaped with his family from the Warsaw ghetto. He is the founder of the International Committee for Peace in the Middle East and SOS Racisme.

The far-reaching story of a people that, despite facing perpetual struggle, has shaped modern civilization. In The Jewish Odyssey, best-selling author Marek Halter charts the course of Judaism from its origins in Mesopotamia to its place in the world today. Predating all Western culture, its early development of the written word enabled it to lay the foundations of modern civilization. Richly illustrated, the book addresses the extent of Jewish suffering over the years, as well as the lasting contributions of Jews in fields such as science, politics, philosophy, and the arts—from Gutenberg to Einstein, Freud to Trotsky, and Kafka to Dylan. Halter explains the delicate state of interdependence that exists between the significant Jewish Diaspora communities worldwide and the Israeli nation, taking into account the Zionist notion of the Jewish "promised land." With his expertise, international status, and political insight, Halter offers a unique and compelling view on contemporary issues ranging from anti-Semitism to the emergence of multi-faith families. This engaging illustrated tribute to the Jewish story culminates in a message of hope for the universal freedom of all mankind.

Publishers Weekly

Storytelling saved Halter's life. In this in-depth chronicle of the origins of Jewish faith and history the author begins with a personal anecdote about fleeing the Warsaw ghetto with his father and mother, who was pregnant at the time. She gave birth in Moscow, they were moved to Uzbekistan, and there, his parents now ill, Halter stole food in order to save them. But he was as bad at stealing as he was good at telling stories, and he befriended a gang of "real thieves," trading stories for food. Halter brings this passion to a volume that chronicles Jewish history and faith in a unadorned yet knowledgeable way; only crucial information, supported historically but without the scholarly mediation typical to volumes of this sort, is included. A wealth of paintings and many photographs, some iconic, guide Halter's stimulating account. From the birth of the first two Hebrew Kingdoms, Judah and Israel, to Saul, David, and Solomon, the kings who gave rise to the Hebrew nation, Halter leaves weaves a spellbinding account of 4,000 years of history and faith. Photos. (Sept.)

Introduction 11

From Sumer to Jerusalem

The Origins of a People 13

Next Year in Jerusalem

Enlightenment, Destruction, Renaissance 87

Israel and Diaspora

A Subversive People 169

Bibliography and Index 222