Abba Eban (1915–2002)

Eban's book is a reasonably good review of Jewish history albeit very condensed. The ancient history chapters are fascinating, middle history is conventional, modern history is more cheerleading and not as insightful as I had hoped. Still, Eban's unique position in Israeli history makes this book well worth reading ... and the historic photos and illustrations are great! I have only one big quibble. Eban uncritically repeats the myth that the names of immigrants were changed at Ellis Island show more (because the immigration officials couldn't spell the spoken name). That is patently false. Names were recorded in immigration docs directly from the ship's manifest. The manifest was created at the port of departure and turned over to immigration officials upon landing in the US. show less

1901 Heritage: Civilization and the Jews, by Abba Eban (read 12 Jan 1985) This is a kind of a coffee-table-top book rather than a history book, but I found it very impressive, especially the post-medieval part of the book. The story told is a fantastic story and one cannot fail to be impressed when one reflects on Jewish contributions to civilization: from the Greatest Jew Who Ever Lived (Jesus) on down. The chapter on the Holocaust was especially moving and awesome, and I strongly believe show more it is important never to forget that awful page in the history of mankind. I may read more in the area this book suggests: the events leading to the creation of the modern state of Israel. show less

1902 An Autobiography, by Abba Eban (read 15 Jan 1985) I enjoyed this book, published in 1977, very very much. He does like to point out that he was right, but he does it with a saving grace that I admired. He was born in South Africa in 1915, but grew up in London, went to Cambridge (where he got a Triple First), served in the British Army during World War II, and then worked for Israel, ending up as Foreign Minister for eight years. I found the book an excellent review of Israeli history show more during the period from 1945 through 1977. I must say he is very persuasive and I never felt, as he told his positions, he was wrong. This of course shows that Israel has not been a major concern of mine through the years. This is an excellent book, one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. show less

Excellent. Eban's command of the English word is legendary. Not only well written but also an excellent history book that is lengthy but retains your interest to the end. Personally met him on two occasions!