This superior account of the development of Jewish nationalism offers one of those rare glimpses into the past that can truly illuminate the present. In
The Rise and Fall of Jewish Nationalism
Doron Mendels combines his unique insight into ancient Palestine with a careful analysis of historical and literary sources, from Josephus to New Testament apocrypha, to explore the development of Jewish nationalism within the context of the nationalism of the Hellenistic world. Originally published as part of the Anchor Bible Reference Library, this study is of interest not only for its brilliant discussion of Jewish nationalism during the Second Temple period but also because its subject matter echoes the thorny questions raised by the Israeli- Palestinian peace talks of today.