Lone Wolf: A Biography of Vladimir (Ze'Ev) Jabotinsky Two Volume Set [Hardcover]

Shmuel Katz (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Historian and journalist Katz has written a lengthy and detailed life of Jabotinsky (1880-1940), an outstanding and controversial figure in the Zionist movement of the 1920s and 1930s. He was a leader of Revisionism, which opposed the policies of the mainstream Zionist group led by Chaim Weitzman and David Ben-Gurion, later to become president and prime minister, respectively, of the state of Israel. Jabotinsky was also a prolific journalist, novelist, poet, and linguist, and Katz treats these aspects of Jabotinsky's work fully. This attempt at completeness often obscures the main thrust of Jabotinsky's efforts?the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Although Katz avows a determination to be fair to Jabotinsky's contemporary critics and opponents, this is clearly the work of an ardent admirer. Recommended for academic libraries with large collections on Zionism and the state of Israel.?Harry Frumerman, formerly with Hunter Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1855 pages
• Publisher: Barricade Books (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569800421
• ISBN-13: 978-1569800423
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars History as it was being made June 25, 2001

By Dr Scott Lawrence

Format:Hardcover

This book is a real eye opener. It completly changed my perspective on the history of the Middle East and how the British, who so often have come accross as the "white knight" was in fact the dirty thief.

The book is a monster in size and in the amount of information it presents. It documented and footnoted to a degree that one would expect from a work of this nature.

I highly suggest it to anyone who wants to find out about the history of modern Israel and how the wolrd powers did what they do best, exploit. I truly learned much!

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about a great man June 24, 2000

By Allen Hansen

Format:Hardcover

Zeev (meaning wolf, in hebrew) Jabotinsky was one of the greatest leaders ever, and the greatest liberal Zionist leader. His works can not be denied. Because of his many deeds, he was admired by many - and hated by the rest. And he is the subject of this book, like many other books and articles. But this one is special - the auther spent 7 years of his life reserching and writing it, and those seven years have beared fruit. The writing is of a very high quality, and the contence is extensive. Itws like no other book about Jabotinsky I know. After reading, you will enrich not only your mind - but also your spirit, by knowing this great man. Highly recomended, for all people - Zionists, students, and anyone seeking pure knolage and feeding.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing book October 23, 2002

By Cassio Sztokfisz

Format:Hardcover

Reading this book is a great intelectual adventure. There are a lot of information and the author has a very clear and envolving writing, always creating expectative over what's coming next. The author also mixes narrative with a lot of opinions and analysis about the facts. There are, as well, many quottings from other works about Jobotinsky, along with several transcriptions of classified official documents that shed light into controversial facts. The author is not afraid of polemics and gives new perspectives over matters treated as tabu, like Ben Gurion, Weizman, The Zionist Organization and the Histadrut. Much enfasis is given to Jabotinsky's unstopabble fight for the jewish rights in palestine and abroad, as well as his unfearing steadfastness against anyone who denied the goal of creating a jewish state. The book will give a complete understanding of the Revisionist movement, the British Rule in Israel, the internal Zionist Organization politics and its blunders, the arab behavior, among others. By reading this book you will also be able to better understand contemporary israeli politics and the relationship with the arab countries. The book, although very pleasant, takes quite a bit to be read, but it is a must for anyone who wants to know one of the greatest zionist and jewish leaders ever and get into the politics of the pre-state period.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Text of Epic Proportions July 17, 2005

By Allon Friedman

Format:Hardcover

Shmuel Katz has managed to collect so much useful, important and fascinating information in this biography of Ze'ev Jabotinsky that it could stand on its own as a first class historical review of early 20th century Zionist and Palestinian history. Through obsessive documentation of his topic, Katz demolishes a number of historical myths surrounding both the roots of Zionism and the founding of the state of Israel. He does this all in a highly compelling and readable style, which is certainly helpful, given its 1800-page size. It is an extraordinary read and essential to fully understanding the origins of Israel and its conflict vis a vis the Arabs, as well as the life of this unique and gifted individual.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a great read July 4, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

you get a full knowledge how he wanted to form a strong Isreal, he never sat down to anti semitism, and u can see what a fighter he was, reads very fast for a 1700 page book

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unapologetic October 11, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

An unapologetic biography of a controversial figure in Jewish/Israeli history. Mr. Katz's book is painstakingly well documented. It is more than the history of a single person; it provides a detailed look at competing Jewish ideologies and their role in the formation of Israel. Though biased, it is on the whole, well balanced.

5.0 out of 5 stars best inspirational zionestic book i ever read January 21, 2013

By badbaruch

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

zev Vladimir jabotinsky was a Jewish leader like no one in the past. his direct contacts to the little real Jew in Europe of 1920-30-40 is touching. he cared for his little fellow Jew and fought for the land of Israel ( then Palestine ) .the English come across this study as an empire in a decline that tried to help the Jewish people in 1917-1919 - but then as the rest of the world always does dropped the Jews like hot potato . what is so fascinating to me is jabotinskys character - clearly he was a genius - however he decided to dedicate himself to the Jewish people + nation. I loved the book - I loved zev . it re lighted something in myself. it forced me to think - what have i done for my jewish brothers + israel lately ?

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read. January 12, 2013

By Daniel J OMeara

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The study of Revisionist Zionism is essential in understanding the historical context of Eretz Israel. The State of Israel, and the support for its' existence is under attack. The right of the Jewish people to a national homeland, in the Holy Land, is disputed by a wide range of political and religious ideologues. After two thousand years of separation from their homeland Jews have regained a political right to Eretz Israel; a country that they never abandoned, or renounced their claim to. Jabotinsky's work influenced the establishment of modern Israel.

The book is a must read.

Dr. Daniel J. O'Meara