Ben-Gurion: A biography [Unknown Binding]

Michael Bar-Zohar (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew (translation)

Product Details

• Unknown Binding: 342 pages
• Publisher: Adama Books (1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915361590
• ISBN-13: 978-0915361595
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,171,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Bulgaria, grew up in Israel, studied in Jerusalem and in France (Ph.D. in Political Science), fought in four Israeli-Arab wars (1956, 1967, 1973, 1982), spent nine years beside David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founder, became a fervent supporter of peace between Israel and her neighbors, served two terms in Parliament, Professor at Haifa University then at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, represented Israel at the Council of Europe, wrote more than 30 books and a few screenplays,won several awards including the French Academy award, the Ben-Gurion award, the International migration award and was knighted by the President of France as Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A man of courage and vision, January 14, 2005

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ben-Gurion: A biography

This is the story of a man of courage and vision, a man of incredible determination. He more than anyone else was the vital force at the critical hour, and through his decision and will modern Israel came into being- and the two- thousand year old Jewish dream realized. Zohar a writer and politician researched his work well, and writes with clearness and strength. He is not without his criticisms of Ben- Gurion but appreciates that he is telling the story of a great man. And the sense of the great significance of the life pervades the work.
I highly recommend it not only in that it gives the story of a great leader but also because it helps tell the story of the birth of modern Israel.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Israel's George Washington: David Ben-Gurion, January 7, 2002

By 

Harold Y. Grooms (Prattville, AL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben-Gurion: A biography

Armed Prophet outlines the life of modern Israel's founder, David Ben-Gurion. Long on substance and short on detail, this work highlights the trials and tribulations of a man whose life is synonymous with the rebirth of modern Israel.

The text begins with a description of Ben-Gurion's early life, his immigration to Israel at age 20, and the hardships of the early pioneers. Next, he describes the struggles to establish a Jewish state. His difficulties included convincing fellow Jews that statehood was both achievable and desirable in a land inhabited by hostile Arabs and governed by the British who were both openly and sometimes violently opposed to the idea.

Next, he describes the campaign against Britain in Palestine/Israel followed by the Israeli War of Independence ending with the proclamation of the Jewish State May 14, 1948. Surrounded by hostile, numerically superior Arab armies and fending off challenges from within, Ben-Gurion ignored all odds and advice. His willingness to take risks, including the risk of civil war, earned him the title of "dictator" by his opponents. Readers should compare his account of the tragic Altalena affair with the one advanced by Menachem Begin in, The Revolt. Clearly, all was not peace and harmony within Israel.

The book then describes Israel's role in the 1956 war with Nasser's Egypt in concert with France and Britain. Despite international repercussions, Israel demonstrated its military superiority and put teeth into Ben-Gurion's statement, "Israel depends not on what gentiles think, but on what Jews do." It concludes by enumerating Ben-Gurion's diplomatic initiatives conducted as part of his never ending attempts to provide peace, prosperity, and, most importantly, security, for his beloved Israel.

Readers looking for a short, version of the events leading to the establishment of the Jewish state should read The Armed Prophet. It presents the significant events in chronological order and describes the key leaders involved. Clear, concise, and highly readable, it provides background for events that monopolize the world's attention today.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 15, 2001

By 

Auren Hoffman (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben-Gurion: A biography

Here is a man who lived a long time and experienced many traumas and victories. The leader and first prime minister of Israel, Ben-Gurion was an international legend.