A Rumor about the Jews

In its portrayal of Judaism as a worldwide conspiracy dedicated to the destruction of Christian civilization the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion remains one of the most infamous documents ever written. Despite being proven a crude forgery the pamphlet managed to pervade twentieth-century thinking often being twisted to suit its handlers'' purposes and to justify the most extreme persecution of the Jews. As recently as 2002 a documentary was aired in Egypt falsely presenting the Protocols as fact--and the Protocols is still regarded as a historical document in many other parts of the world. In A Rumor About the Jews Stephen Eric Bronner systematically debunks the antisemitic assertions made in the Protocols. He also explores its history its influence on right-wing movements throughout the twentieth century and the ongoing appeal of bigotry. A work of intellectual history A Rumor About the Jews takes the reader on a historical journey that provides a new and deeper understanding of an insidious ideology and its broader implications. Bronner''s sharp and penetrating analysis offers new insights into the nature of antisemitism along with a warning against underestimating the power of this hateful tract.