The A to Z of Zionism

One began as a poet in Odessa and became an activist. Others began in obscure Algerian groups stung by French anti-Semitism while others started as Christians and stayed Christian for the duration. With over 200 cross-referenced entries, maps, a chronology, an able introductory essay, and bibliography this newly-updated treatment focuses on individuals, groups and events from the beginning of the Jewish people toward Palestine and those who succeeded at re-establishing a Jewish state. Accessible to the general readership but geared largely toward undergraduate students and those new to Zionist theories and practice, this reference offers specific information, concise background, and avenues of research. In a compact space Medoff (David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies) and Waxman (emeritus, sociology and Jewish studies, Rutgers U.) manage to describe the diversity of people and ideas without obscuring the evolution of significant events and their impact. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies.

Chaim I. Waxman is professor emeritus of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Rutgers University and a senior fellow at the The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute.