Unsettled: An Anthropology of the Jews

by Melvin Konner

Book Overview

In this intellectually rich and passionately written history, anthropologist Melvin Konner takes the whole sweep of Western civilization as his canvas and onto it places the Jewish people and faith. Drawing on archaeological findings, census data, religious texts, diaries, poetry, oral histories, and more, Konner shows how the Jews shaped the world around them and how this largely hostile but at times accepting world shaped Jewish practice, culture,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670032441
• ISBN13: 9780670032440
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 500 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.6" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Great background history for Jewish people

A great in depth summary of history and human relations for the Jewish people which allows me knowledge to work on a historical novel with knowledge backing up my storyline.

Highly enjoyable

I first heard of Melvin Konner, a professor of anthropology at Emory University, when he gave a speech at a conference on science and religion in 2006. He tangled with famous atheist authors Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris at that conference. Later that year he tangled with Jimmy Carter after Carter wrote a controversial book on the Middle East that Konner felt was intellectually dishonest. Like me, Konner is a non-religious Jew and I looked forward to reading him again (I read a previous book of his called Medicine at the Crossroads and enjoyed it). Konner does not disappoint in this book, as he gives the reader a fascinating overview of Jewish history and culture. He is, though an atheist, clearly sympathetic to Judaism and to the state of Israel. . The part on the Holocaust was, while depressing, nonetheless very illuminating. This book isn't a complete history of the Jews, as some readers have pointed out, but it is a good overview. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jewish culture and history

A Chagall Painting of the Jewish Experience

The 3,000 year old history of the Jews has been the subject of many one volume works, and some many volume masterpieces. It is impossible to be "comprehensive" so the author has to select certain episodes to construct a winning narrative. Melvin Konner succeeds because he is such a talented writer. This book has the flavor of a James Michener novel as opposed to a dry scholarly tome. Take a look at just two examples of his writing: "The roots of the Jews are lost in the deep, blood-soaked mud of ancient empire." And speaking about Jacob wrestling with the angel, Konner writes: "But of course it is not just Jacob who limps away hurt, with a new name. It is all his descendants, destined, he has been told, to be as numerous as the stars. ISRAEL: a whole nation of God-wrestlers, striving and undaunted, hurt but not subdued." True there are many areas of Jewish history that are passed over. Rather than include everything, Kooner searches for nodal points that changed the Jewish outlook. I especially liked the chapter entitled: "Women of Valor; How Jewish Women broke the Patriachal Bonds." If the reader wants a handle on what makes the Jewish people so important in world history, this is the book to read.

Konner Makes Dry Subject Matter a Page Turner

I had no real expectations about "Unsettled: An Antropology of the Jews." I did have reservations due to what can be dry subjet matter--anthropology. Konner redeemed himself in this vibrant, page-turning look at Jewish history. Laced with literature, anecdotes, and historical record, he drew together the long history of the Jewish people into a readable, enjoyable work. It's easy to criticize, but as a published fiction author, I am impressed by Konner's coherent blend of staggering facts into a flowing story of a people. His handling of issues related to Islam and Judaism were commendable. I enjoyed every page, looking forward each new day to my time with the book. Highly recommended reading. My only recommendation would be for future editions to have photos and graphics to complement the rich fact-filled story.

An Engaging Enyclopedia of Jewish Culture and History

Mel Connor's Unsettled is a compelling survey of Jewish history and culture from the origins of the faith until today. Themes of steadfast faith, diaspora, self-inflicted segregation and persistent and inhumane discrimination and the unique cultural attributes of this distinctive race and religion are insightfully discussed by an American Jew who obviously loves and respects his people and religion, yet is not a true believer. The paradoxes of moral strength in political and military weakness, and the blessings and curses of the Jews' separateness are fully explored. It's a must read for both Jews and those who are in some significant way impacted by Jewish culture and influence, which includes just about all of us.