Zionism: The Formative Years

This sequel to David Vital's The Origins of Zionism (Clarendon Press, 1980) traces the emergence of the Zionist movement through which the Jews were, to a large extent, re-formed as a political people. It concentrates on the decade following the launch of the Zionist movement by Herzl in 1897, when its main ideas and central institutions were established, along with its modes of political, social, and economic action, and its internal ideological and party-politicaldivisions on such issues as religious orthodoxy and socialism.Originally published in 1982, this book won the Jewish Chronicle Prize and the 'Present Tense' Literary Award for history. Professor Vital's major three-volume study of Zionism was completed in Zionism: The Crucial Phase (CP, 1987).

' Professor Vital's trilogy, and especially the third volume, ranks among the most important work done so far in Zionist historiography ... His work is controversial. But whether agreeing or disagreeing with him, scholars will have to take note of his opinions.' Studies in Zionism, 'surpassing intelligence, great felicity of expression ... this book is the result of prodigious scholarship ... The book's superb readabiltiy, wide contextual perspectives, and fine organization make it most suitable for classroom use. One can only look forward to the volumes to come. They promise to constitute a definitive history of Zionism.' American Historical Review, ' Combines impeccable scholarship with lucid presentation, in every respect worthy of its predecessor.' Jewish Quarterly, ' The marvellously vivid cameos of the personalities involved are underscored by Mr Vital's effortless erudition and the ironic elegance of his style ... (a) beautifully controlled book.' Economist, 'In David Vital ... Zionism has found its historian' Encounter