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 timely and important document for such a time as this. Bronner's work is focused on the political with a strong interest in the historical, the cultural, and the religious. ... From a Religious Studies perspective, Bronner's analysis of the future of organized religion is important to consider." (Michael Gillingham, Reading Religion, June 26, 2019)
From the reviews of the first edition:
"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, March 15, 2000)
From the reviews of the first edition:
"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, March 15, 2000)