The Jewish Mind - Couverture souple

Patai, Raphael

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 081432651X ISBN 13 : 9780814326510

Editeur : Wayne State University Press, 1996

Synopsis

First published in 1977, "The Jewish Mind" is a sweeping intellectual history of the Jews. Raphael Patai takes readers on an insightful journey through three millennia; examines six great historic encounters between the Jews, on the one hand, and the Canaanite culture, Hellenism, the Arab Golden Age, Renaissance Italy, Russian sectarianism, and European Enlightenment, on the other; and analyses the manner in which each of them left its mark on the Jewish mind. This historic venture is followed by another journey, perhaps even more fascinating: a journey into the depths of the contemporary Jewish mind, involving the exploration of Jewish intelligence, giftedness, and genius; of the phenomenology of special Jewish talents; of Jewish personality and character; and of the physical and mental health of the Jews, including the pitfalls of marginality, alcoholism, overeating and drug addiction. Among the questions tackled in this part of the book: Are the Jews more intelligent than non-Jews? And if so, why? Are there differences in intelligence between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews? Why is there among the Jews in the Western world a higher incidence of neurosis but a lower one of psychosis than among non-Jews? Based on solid evidence and data, Patai provides convincing support for his claims. The book also explores the tragedy of Jewish self-hate and its psychological roots. Despite the threats to Jewish existence, Patai concludes with a note of optimism by emphasising that basic Jewish vaues, which for two thousand years have been constants in the Jewish mind, contain the promise of the Jewish future. In a postscript added to this new edition, Patai discusses the two decades that have passed since the original publication of this book. Several major developments have contributed to an improvement in the global Jewish condition, including the historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, the demise of Communism, the unification of Germany, the peace agreement signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994, and the emigration of Jews from North Africa. Patai demonstrates how these events further equal rights and opportunities for all Jews, enhancing Jewish identification and, as a result, the Jewish mind.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

A Landmark Exploration of Jewish History and Culture

First published in 1977, The Jewish Mind provides a penetrating insight into the complex collective reality of the Jewish people. Raphael Patai examines how six great historical encounters, spanning three millennia, between the Jews and other cultures led to both change and continuity in Jewish communities throughout the global diaspora.

A Timeless Analysis by a Prominent Scholar

Patai, a noted cultural anthropologist and historian, drew on a lifetime of research and personal experience to explore the contemporary Jewish mind in its many manifestations, including an exploration of the notion of Jews as a race, an investigation into Jewish intelligence and talents, a discussion of Jewish self-hate, and a profile of Jewish personality and character.

An Insightful New Foreword by Ari L. Goldman

Bestselling author and journalist Ari L. Goldman places the book in the context of recent turbulent events, especially in the Middle East, and confirms Patai’s conclusion that Judaism remains of enormous value to humankind. Goldman calls the book “a brilliant and absorbing survey of everything poured into the Jewish mind over the millennia.” The Jewish Mind is a towering work of scholarship that remains relevant to anyone trying to understand Jewish culture and society around the world today.

Revue de presse

“[A]n informative, readable book...a well-researched, comprehensive study.” — Publishers Weekly

“An analytical history par excellence...” — The Jewish Press

“Raphael Patai’s The Jewish Mind is a synthesis of his life’s work, which has been devoted to explaining the profoundly influential, complex, and mysterious ways of the Jewish people...[a] fascinating book...” — The Jerusalem Post

“The coverage is encyclopedic...an important synthesis and highly recommended...” — Choice

“[A]n invaluable study of the benefits and deficits of cultural assimilation...” — Library Journal

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Wayne State University Press
• Date d'édition: 1996
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 081432651X
• ISBN 13: 9780814326510
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 640
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible