A groundbreaking history of anti-Semitism, from the Roman Empire to the twentieth century
The origins of anti-Semitism have been hotly contested. Some say that it is a transitory phenomenon, appearing randomly in Western history, while others argue that it reflects a deep-seated tradition inherent in Western culture. Anti-Semitism in Times of Crisis argues that anti-semitism is not an anomaly in Western culture, but a defining feature.
In this collection of essays, 16 celebrated contributors trace representations of Jewish people over the past two thousand years. Their analysis shows how Jewish people have been consistently cast as outsiders, allowing Westerners to define themselves in contrast to the Jewish community. Even as the popular image of Jewish people changed, anti-semitism persisted. With essays on the religious, social, political, and economic origins of European and American anti- Semitism, as well as some Jewish responses, this volume is the most wide-ranging history of anti-Semitism ever compiled.

About the Author
Sander L. Gilman is Distinguished Professor of the Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as Professor of Psychiatry, at Emory University. He is the author or editor of more than ninety books, including the basic study of the visual stereotyping of the mentally ill, Seeing the Insane. Steven T. Katz is Slater Professor of Jewish and Holocaust Studies and former Director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies at Boston University. His many publications include The Holocaust in Historical Context.

Reviews
"Anti-Semitism in Times of Crisis is an important and urgent contribution to the understanding of what has been called the oldest group prejudice in history. Sander L. Gilman and Steven T. Katz are to be congratulated for showing the reader how hatred can be contagious, destructive, and self-destructive." -- Elie Wiesel, author of Night
"[A] useful and enlightening set of studies which adds new insights, even to those who have read much of the vast literature of anti-Semitism." -- Arthur Hertzberg
"Explains the past and current relevance of the Jew as a symbol. . . multi-dimensional and innovative. A very important contribution to our understanding of a vexing problem." -- Jehuda Reinharz,Brandeis University



Book Information
ISBN 9780814730560
Author Sander L. Gilman
Format Paperback
Page Count 412
Imprint New York University Press
Publisher New York University Press
Weight(grams) 540g