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Rating: 
Summary: Readable, but a limited perspective
Review: "The Controversy of Zion" examines the polemics of modern political Zionism from its 19th century origins to the present day. Its conclusion is that the realization of the Zionist ideal may have accomplished many things, but did not solve its central problem: thr so-called Jewish Question. For all its meticulous research and shrewd observations, it is remarkable that a basic premise is never questioned, namely whether there really is or ever was a Jewish Question. What becomes apparent is that the controversy of Zion was not caused by Zionism but rather by European nationalism. It was the European Problem that disenfranchised Jews in every European state and gave cause to a distinct and actionable Jewish nationalism on what had previously only been a religious hope. The inescapable conclusion is thereby missed. It was not that Zionism was ever conceived as a perfect solution to a Jewish Question; rather it was an imperfect solution to an intolerable situation created by the European disease. It would be too much to expect it to make everyone happy. And whereas the past controversy among Jews has little relevance to the future of Israel, European nationalism persists and can certainly be said to influence European attitudes toward the State of Israel and the Jewish people to this day.
Rating:
Summary: Readable, but a limited perspective
Review: "The Controversy of Zion" examines the polemics of modern political Zionism from its 19th century origins to the present day. Its conclusion is that the realization of the Zionist ideal may have accomplished many things, but did not solve its central problem: thr so-called Jewish Question. For all its meticulous research and shrewd observations, it is remarkable that a basic premise is never questioned, namely whether there really is or ever was a Jewish Question. What becomes apparent is that the controversy of Zion was not caused by Zionism but rather by European nationalism. It was the European Problem that disenfranchised Jews in every European state and gave cause to a distinct and actionable Jewish nationalism on what had previously only been a religious hope. The inescapable conclusion is thereby missed. It was not that Zionism was ever conceived as a perfect solution to a Jewish Question; rather it was an imperfect solution to an intolerable situation created by the European disease. It would be too much to expect it to make everyone happy. And whereas the past controversy among Jews has little relevance to the future of Israel, European nationalism persists and can certainly be said to influence European attitudes toward the State of Israel and the Jewish people to this day.
Rating: 
Summary: helpful resource for understanding today's news
Review: In the introduction to the book the author states that he is neither friend nor foe of Zionism, he merely wanted to study the concept of Zionism in order to better understand it. I appreciated very much that objectivity. He took a highly emotional topic and developed a balanced, readable history of an idea. Personally, he helped me understand a little better the anti-Zionism arguement.
Rating:
Summary: Very informative and well researched
Review: Jewish history is full of different themes. Mr. Wheatcroft has covered one of the larger ones in recent history with a skill and balance that is rarely seen. The story of Zionism is a natural highly emotionally charged subject that usually is written on one side of thepolitical spectrum or the other. Wheatcroft, an observer from the outside, by way of asecular Christian background, manages to keep the flow of factual information comingwithout falling into the trap of bending the information to a particular point of view. Andhe does this in an interesting and informal manner. The author, quite modestly states in thepreface. "All in all this is an amateur work, but in two senses: It is written by someonewho is not a professional authority, but as well in the primary definition of an amateur asone who is fond of the subject." He may call himself an amateur, but if this is so, let it beknown that he certainly has done his research, as there were very few, if any, inaccuraciesin the book. By Mr. Whaeatcroft's own admission there were certain omissions to the story. One inparticular was the parallel story of the Arab arguments which Mr. Wheatcroft explains thisway. "I hope I shall not be reproached with ignoring the impact of Zionism on the Arabs,as though I were unaware how great it was; but that is not my theme." This is to say, thatalthough the Arab community was very much a part of the story of Zionism, the booksfocus was rather the impact that Zionism had on the Jews. Mr. Wheatcroft never deviatesfrom that plan although I am sure the temptation at times was great. However, I have two small criticisms which I must note here. One can be attributed moreto the publisher than to Mr. Wheatcroft. Being that he is British, there is a distinctdifference in literary styles between American and the British use of English. I wish morecare would have been taken in the use of phrases and words in the release of this work inthe U.S. One that was more conducive to the American literary style. It is maybe a smallthing, and I apologize for it but it would have made the read a lot smoother if I was notleft to figure out exactly what is being said or stopping to look up words in a dictionarythat normally I would not have to do. More often than not, I was forced to do so, whichwent from amusing when I started the book to very frustrating towards the end. The othercriticism, is the fact that quotes in other languages many times did not have Englishtranslations with them. I am curious how that was decided to provide translations of some,and others were left to be figured out if the reader does not speak that particular language. In conclusion, I enjoyed this work very much. It is a must for all parties interested in thisfield to have this book in their library. It provided a sense of Zionism that is not oftenenough debated. If we are to move into the 21st. century with a constantly changing andmorphing Zionist ideology it is necessary to understand the solutions as well as theproblems such an idea caused in the past. With a clearer understanding, Zionism canbecome the working ideology that it was meant to become for each successive generationto come. .......Larry Hart, Reseda, California
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