FROM AMAZON: At the center of this massive and brilliant book is the most universal of man’s cities: Jerusalem, the mystic heart of three great religions, condemned to pay for the passions it inspires by being—through forty centuries—the most bitterly disputed site in the world.
O Jerusalem! is the classic retelling of the spellbinding events of the birth of Israel. Moment by moment, Collins and Lapierre weave a brilliant tapestry of shattered hopes, fierce pride, and breathtaking daring as the Arabs, Jews, and British collide in their fight for control of Jerusalem.
Collins and Lapierre profile the Jewish fighters, from the commanders Ben Gurion and Golda Meir to the soldiers, rabbinical students, and refugees taken directly from their ships to fight; the Arab soldiers, from the explosives expert planting bombs to the charismatic chieftain whose death in battle doomed the Arab cause but inspired a generation of Palestinians; as well as the British efforts of peacekeeping after General Allenby’s conquest of Jerusalem and their departure in the face of the onslaught.
O Jerusalem! is a towering testament to the fiery birth of Israel and an unforgettable tale of faith and violence, of betrayal and indomitable courage.
Collins and Lapierre’s story is the fruit of five years of intensive research and many thousands of interviews. This edition contains an introduction by Dominique Lapierre (translated from the original French by Larry Collins) as well as extensive biographical and chapter notes.
O Jerusalem!
“O Jerusalem!” by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre provides a gripping historical account of the events surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. This compelling book delves into the struggle for control over Jerusalem, highlighting the perspectives of both Arabs and Jews. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Collins and Lapierre offer readers a nuanced understanding of the complexities that have shaped the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
About the Authors:
Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre were renowned journalists and authors, known for their collaborative work on several historical non-fiction books. Larry Collins, born on September 14, 1929, in West Hartford, Connecticut, was a former journalist for United Press International. Dominique Lapierre, born on July 30, 1931, in Châtelaillon-Plage, France, was a former journalist for Paris Match. The authors’ main objective was to bring historical events to life through extensive research and engaging storytelling. Some of their other notable works include “Is Paris Burning?” and “Freedom at Midnight.”
O Jerusalem! Summary:
“O Jerusalem!” is a historical masterpiece that delves into the tumultuous events surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, with a particular focus on the battle for Jerusalem.
“It reads like a whodunit, and you turn page after page to see what happens next….The pace is so swift, the drama so heightened by alternating flashes of tragedy and comedy that one has to stop frequently to catch one’s breath and marvel.”
“The New York Times Book Review”
The book begins by providing a comprehensive background on the longstanding tensions between Arabs and Jews in the region. The authors detail the political landscape and historical context that led to the United Nations’ partition plan, which proposed the division of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states.
“O Jerusalem!” takes readers on a journey as it explores the struggle for control over Jerusalem, a city of immense religious and symbolic importance. The authors paint a vivid picture of the political maneuverings, military strategies, and human stories that unfolded as both sides fought for dominance.
“A remarkable book…a history that not only clarifies the military and political events of the war but brings its human dimensions vividly to life.”
“The National Observer”
Through extensive research and interviews, the authors present a balanced perspective, offering insights into the motivations and experiences of key figures from both the Arab and Jewish communities. They bring to life the emotions, fears, and hopes of individuals such as David Ben-Gurion, the leader of the Jewish Agency, and Haj Amin al-Husseini, the influential Arab leader.
The book provides a gripping account of the intense battles and sieges that took place in Jerusalem, portraying the human toll and the emotional impact on those involved. Collins and Lapierre’s meticulous attention to detail and storytelling prowess transport readers to the heart of the conflict, enabling them to grasp the gravity and complexity of the situation.
“Moving, fascinating, informative…. No other book on this subject…comes close to O Jerusalem!”
“Los Angeles Times”
“O Jerusalem!” also explores the international context, examining the role of major powers such as Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union in shaping the outcome of the conflict. The authors shed light on the diplomatic efforts, negotiations, and competing interests that influenced the course of events.
In conclusion, “O Jerusalem!” is a comprehensive and gripping historical account of the struggle for Jerusalem during the Israeli War of Independence. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Collins and Lapierre provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complex historical context, personal stories, and geopolitical dynamics that shaped the events surrounding the creation of the state of Israel. The book stands as a testament to the authors’ dedication to bringing history to life and offers valuable insights into the human experiences and political complexities of the time.
Related Books:
- “The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem, 1947-1949″ by Benny Morris
- “Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East” by Michael B. Oren
- “Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-2001” by Benny Morris
- “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” by Ilan Pappé
- “The Case for Israel” by Alan Dershowitz
- “1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War” by Benny Morris
My Goodreads Review:
O Jerusalem! by Larry CollinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
“One of my favorite books about Israel’s war of independence. The book is a historical account that delves into the events surrounding the birth of Israel in 1948. The authors paint a vivid picture of the Arab-Israeli conflict, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and tragedies experienced by both sides. Focusing on the battle for Jerusalem, the book provides a comprehensive examination of the fight for control over the holy city, offering insight into the pivotal moments that shaped the course of history in the Middle East. With its compelling narrative and rich detail, ‘O Jerusalem!’ is a captivating read that sheds light on the complex origins of one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.”
View all my reviews
