The Socialism of Fools?

William Brustein is Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs and Professor of Sociology, Political Science and History at Ohio State University. Louisa Roberts is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at Ohio State University.

'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

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