The Land of Blood and Honey The Rise of Modern Israel [Paperback]

The definitive one-volume history of Israel by its most distinguished historian

From its Zionist beginnings at the end of the nineteenth century through the past sixty, tumultuous years, the state of Israel has been, as van Creveld argues, the greatest success story in the entire twentieth century. In this crisp volume, he skillfully relates the improbable story of a nationless people who, given a hot and arid patch of land and coping with every imaginable obstacle, founded a country that is now the envy of surrounding states. While most studies on Israel focus on the political, this encompassing history weaves together the nation's economic, social, cultural and religious narratives while also offering diplomatic solutions to help Israel achieve peace. Without question, this is the best one-volume history of Israel and its people.

A concise and readable history of Israel written by someone who has lived a better part of it. Seattle JTNews

An unapologetic, well-written, and often convincing single volume history of Israel that regards the establishment, survival, and prospering of that nation as a remarkable and admirable achievement&a worthy effort to promote a particular vision of Israel's past and future prospects. Booklist

It's no mean feat to sketch the late 19th century rise of Zionism and creation of Israel with economy and compassion, and to deliver an honest appraisal of the country's strengths and weaknesses. That celebrated historian van Creveld (The Culture of War) manages just this, and does so with an easy accessibility, is to be admired....[A] first-rate study. Publishers Weekly

Martin van Creveld, so well known for his military histories, has produced an exemplary political, cultural, and intellectual history of Israel. It is concise without being glib, fair-minded with losing its edge and authoritative personal voice. I read this throuls.