Well, it’s finally out. Anthony Julius’s epic, sweeping account of English antisemitism, “Trials of the Diaspora,” can now be purchased online. Advance praise has been generous. No less than Philip Roth describes the book as an “essential history…written by a man with the extraordinary fluency, staggering erudition, scholarly integrity, intellectual acumen and moral discernment of Anthony Julius.” As long-time Z Word readers will know, Anthony honored us by allowing us to publish early drafts of some of the chapters in his book. You can read those selections here. And then go and buy the book.
“No less than Philip Roth describes the book as an “essential history…written by a man with the extraordinary fluency, staggering erudition, scholarly integrity, intellectual acumen and moral discernment of Anthony Julius.””
Roth is one of my favorite writers.
I always felt that Philip Roth’s description of antisemitism in England in “The Counterlife” was based on personal experience, this endrosement also has the ring of something personal.
I will get Mr. Julius’ book as soon as I can and read it as I have admired his book on TS Eliot as well as the essays he posted on this website.
The Trials of the Diaspora will publish 25 February 2010 in the UK, so not quite out yet!
Phillip Roth is not one of my favorites…he writes too negatively about Jews…(Portnoy’s Complaint (was almost anti Semetic)! However that said, I am glad he see’s the importance of the “Auschwitz” mentality that exists today all over the world! I am looking forward to hear mr Julius in Chicago this May! Anti Semitism is world wide…Hitler’s clone still roams the world…In Europe, Iran, Russia, and even a bit in the USA! It never ends..4000 yrs of Pogroms!