The Socialism of Fools?
Leftist Origins of Modern Anti-Semitism

This study examines fully the role that the historic European left has played in developing and espousing anti-Semitic views.

William I. Brustein (Author), Louisa Roberts (Author)

9780521870856, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 July 2015

217 pages
23.3 x 15.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.45 kg

'With a well-documented analysis of anti-Semitic discourse in nineteenth- and twentieth-century political speech, books, pamphlets, manifestos, and right-wing and leftist newspapers, Brustein and Roberts argue that leftist movements contributed to themes and narratives that fueled modern European anti-Semitism. The animosity of the left to Jews stemmed from the conviction that Judaism was anti-modern, Jews were responsible for the evils of capitalism, and Jews were lukewarm nationalists. In France and Germany, these beliefs were not just a minor sideshow to virulent right-wing anti-Semitism but were shared by both adversaries. In the struggle with fascism the socialists did not fully distance themselves from anti-Semitism. In light of this record, the authors raise questions about the contemporary leftist position on Israeli-Palestinian issues. There is much to learn and think about in this well-written book.' Anthony Oberschall, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Anti-Semitism, as it has existed historically in Europe, is generally thought of as having been a phenomenon of the political right. To the extent that nineteenth- and early twentieth-century leftist movements have been found to manifest anti-Semitism, their involvement has often been suggested to be a mere fleeting and insignificant phenomenon. As such, this study seeks to examine more fully the role that the historic European left has played in developing and espousing anti-Semitic views. The authors draw upon a range of primary and secondary sources, including the analysis of left- and right-wing newspaper reportage, to trace the relationship between the political left and anti-Semitism in France, Germany, and Great Britain from the French Revolution to World War II, ultimately concluding that the relationship between the left and anti-Semitism has been much more profound than previously believed.

Introduction
1. Before the Left: the anti-Semitic thought of the European enlightenment
2. France
3. Germany
4. Great Britain
5. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Sociology [JHB], Social & cultural history [HBTB], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH]