A Rumor About the Jews : Conspiracy, Anti-Semitism, and the Protocols of Zion

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. In __A Rumor About the Jews__, Stephen Eric Bronner provides a history of this notorious fabrication—one which has renewed salience in a “post truth” society dominated by “fake news"—and explores its influence on right-wing movements throughout the twentieth century and the ongoing appeal of bigotry. This new edition of Bronner's 2000 classic (described by __Kirkus__ as "the best short book on anti-Semitism") expands the arguments of the first edition, bringing the work up to date in a new political context. "A coherent treatment of a complex issue and its most significant secular document...Bronner may have written the best short book on anti-Semitism." --Kirkus Reviews "In his scholarly yet highly readable account of the history of this infamous work, Stephen Eric Bronner does a great service not only to those who fight against anti-Semitism, but those who fight against contemporary political fanaticism..." --Jewish Currents "A fascinating, readable, and most worthwhile addition to the literature." --H-Net "[A Rumor About the Jews] places The Protocols of the Elders of Zion within a broader framework, arguing effectively that acceptance of the notorious forgery had as much to do with reactions against liberalism and democracy as it did with anti-Semitism...this book makes an original and valuable contribution to the literature." --John A. Drobnicki, Library Journal 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. In A Rumor About the Jews, Stephen Eric Bronner provides a history of this notorious fabrication--one which has renewed salience in a "post truth" society dominated by "fake news"--and explores its influence on right-wing movements throughout the twentieth century and the ongoing appeal of bigotry. This new edition of Bronner's 2000 classic (described by Kirkus as "the best short book on anti-Semitism") expands the arguments of the first edition, bringing the work up to date in a new political context.-- Provided by publisher "A coherent treatment of a complex issue and its most significant secular document ... Bronner may have written the best short book on anti-Semitism."--Kirkus Reviews "In his scholarly yet highly readable account of the history of this infamous work, Stephen Eric Bronner does a great service not only to those who fight against anti-Semitism, but those who fight against contemporary political fanaticism ..." --Jewish Currents "A fascinating, readable, and most worthwhile addition to the literature." --H-Net "[A Rumor About the Jews] places The Protocols of the Elders of Zion within a broader framework, arguing effectively that acceptance of the notorious forgery had as much to do with reactions against liberalism and democracy as it did with anti-Semitism ... this book makes an original and valuable contribution to the literature." --John A. Drobnicki, Library Journal 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. In A Rumor About the Jews, Stephen Eric Bronner provides a history of this notorious fabrication--one which has renewed salience in a "post truth" society dominated by "fake news"--and explores its influence on right-wing movements throughout the twentieth century and the ongoing appeal of bigotry. This new edition of Bronner's 2000 classic (described by Kirkus as "the best short book on anti-Semitism") expands the arguments of the first edition, bringing the work up to date in a new political context Front Matter ....Pages i-xxv Introduction (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 1-8 Antisemitism for Popular Consumption: Selections from the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 9-23 The Text in Context: The Protocols and the Varieties of Antisemitism (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 25-55 The Tale of a Forgery: Inventing the Protocols (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 57-82 Spreading the News: The Protocols Triumphant (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 83-109 Intermezzo: American Populism and the Jews (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 111-125 The Legacy of a Lie: Contemporary Antisemitism and Its Future (Stephen Eric Bronner)....Pages 127-145 Back Matter ....Pages 147-162