The Invention of the Land of Israel

From Holy Land to Homeland

By Shlomo Sand | Publisher: Verso Books

About the book

This groundbreaking work deconstructs the age-old legends surrounding the ‘Holy Land’ of Israel—and the prejudices that continue to suffocate it.

What is a homeland, and when does it become a national territory? Why have so many people been willing to die for them throughout the 20thcentury? What is the essence of the Promised Land? Following the acclaimed and controversial Invention of the Jewish People, Shlomo Sand examines the mysterious sacred land that has become the site of the longest running national struggle of the 20th century.

Sand’s account dissects the concept of ‘historical right’ and tracks the invention of the modern geopolitical concept of the ‘Land of Israel’ by 19th-century Evangelical Protestants and Jewish Zionists. This invention, he argues, not only facilitated the colonization of the Middle East and the establishment of the State of Israel; it is also what is threatening the existence of the Jewish state today.

Editions of The Invention of the Land of Israel

Hardcover
ISBN 9781844679461
Paperback
ISBN 9781781680834
EBook
ISBN 9781844679478

Read an Excerpt

This groundbreaking work deconstructs the age-old legends surrounding the ‘Holy Land’ of Israel—and the prejudices that continue to suffocate it.

What is a homeland, and when does it become a national territory? Why have so many people been willing to die for them throughout the 20thcentury? What is the essence of the Promised Land? Following the acclaimed and controversial Invention of the Jewish People, Shlomo Sand examines the mysterious sacred land that has become the site of the longest running national struggle of the 20th century.

Sand’s account dissects the concept of ‘historical right’ and tracks the invention of the modern geopolitical concept of the ‘Land of Israel’ by 19th-century Evangelical Protestants and Jewish Zionists. This invention, he argues, not only facilitated the colonization of the Middle East and the establishment of the State of Israel; it is also what is threatening the existence of the Jewish state today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Invention of the Land of Israel about?

This groundbreaking work deconstructs the age-old legends surrounding the ‘Holy Land’ of Israel—and the prejudices that continue to suffocate it.

What is a homeland, and when does it become a national territory? Why have so many people been willing to die for them throughout the 20thcentury? What is the essence of the Promised Land? Following the acclaimed and controversial Invention of the Jewish People, Shlomo Sand examines the mysterious sacred land that has become the site of the longest running national struggle of the 20th century.

Sand’s account dissects the concept of ‘historical right’ and tracks the invention of the modern geopolitical concept of the ‘Land of Israel’ by 19th-century Evangelical Protestants and Jewish Zionists. This invention, he argues, not only facilitated the colonization of the Middle East and the establishment of the State of Israel; it is also what is threatening the existence of the Jewish state today.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Invention of the Land of Israel?

History and Archaeology > History > Middle Eastern history

Where can I read a sample of The Invention of the Land of Israel?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781844679461

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Invention of the Land of Israel?

Shlomo Sand

Who is the Publisher of the book The Invention of the Land of Israel?

Verso Books

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Invention of the Land of Israel is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781844679461) and paperback(ISBN 9781781680834) and ebook(ISBN 9781844679478)

Where can I buy The Invention of the Land of Israel online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The Invention of the Land of Israel?