From Library Journal
Lindemann (history, Univ. of California-Santa Barbara) examines anti-Semitism in pre-World War I Europe and America by profiling three famous cases: the well-known Dreyfus treason affair in France, the Beilis ritual murder episode in Russia, and the Leo Frank murder case in America. All three men were unjustly accused, and anti-Semitism played a decisive role. Lindemann tries to show through a multicultural approach the common forces at work. He does not try to unearth any new primary material as such--he relies heavily on secondary sources. But he does find a way through the clouds of myth that have obscured all three cases. He is especially good at showing the mixed motives of both the accusers and the defenders. He also deftly portrays the historical background and ideological forces. This account is well written and detailed. Recommended for libraries with strong modern history or Judaica holdings. Jewish Book Club alternate.
- Paul Kaplan, Dakota Cty. Lib., Eagan, Minn.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"What emerges from The Jew Accused is a valuable examination of the interaction between Jews and gentiles in different nations. Lindemann's observations and learned conclusions on such a critical theme as anti-Semitism merit our careful reactions." The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star
"...a perceptive reappraisal of complex events." Times Higher Education Supplement
"...this is a well-written and thought-provoking book that will stimulate and challenge...." Choice
"Throughout the book, Mr. Lindemann, making use of contemporary documents, provides a vivid sense of people and of the period." The New Yorker
"He [Lindemann] is especially good at showing the mixed motives of both the accusers and the defenders. He also deftly portrays the historical background and ideological forces. This account is well-written and detailed." Library Journal
"This work is based on wide reading in very different literatures. Professor Lindemann manages to bring a fresh approach to a much studied subject. It is a fascinating book to read." Peter Kenez, University of California, Santa Cruz
"In this first comparative study of the three harrowing affairs, Lindemann draws valuable insights and some provocative conclusions." Carole Fink, Ohio State University
"Albert Lindemann's impressive and well-written study of the Dreyfus, Beilis, and Frank affairs explores the social and political constructions of anti-Semitism within an unusally rich comparative framework. Challenging a range of traditional perspectives, from purported tolerance of the Dreyfusards to the 'exceptionalism' of the Jewish question in America, Lindemann shows neatly the relationship between the development of anti-Semitic attitudes and movements and the expanding Jewish role in Europe and the United States. His book is bound to stir debate, but few will fail to appreciate the intelligence and sensitivity with which he frames the many contentious issues associated with these famous anti-Semitic affairs, or the care with which Lindemann draws his interesting conclusions." William G. Rosenberg, University of Michigan
"Lindemann devotes about a quarter of his book to Dreyfus. His analysis of the development of anti-Semitism in France in the 25 years before Dreyfus was charged with treason is especially good." Washington Jewish Week
"The Jew Accused deserves a wide readership. It is accessible to a general audience and the university classroom alike." Stephen Pattee, PhD, Bridges