Part of what had been intended to become a monumental work on the Jewish race, this posthumously published study of Jacobs’ observations on the importance of Jews to world culture represents a mature look at the subject. Concerned with the continuing, and growing, anti-Semitism of his day, Jacobs laid out a memoir for those who would doubt the importance of this Jewish contribution. Beginning with the convention of Jewish self-recognition as the people of the book, he sketches the relationship between the church and the Jews. Tracing the Diaspora to Europe, he notes that Jews in the Middle Ages were intellectual intermediaries and their works had a profound impact on Medieval thought. The role of Jews in commerce and capitalism is explored, as is the break-down of the grip the church has had on society in the western world. Noting the contribution throughout history of Jews to the cause of liberality, Jacob makes a profound case for seeing the deep impact Judaism has made on the modern world. A useful study for anyone wishing to reflect on what the world would lack without the vital elements of civilization brought to all by the Jewish nation, this book is still needed in a world where tolerance is still a distant dream.

Joseph Jacobs (1854-1916) was a historian of Judaism and literature. He is well-remembered for his collections of folktales. Jacobs studied at the University of Sydney, Cambridge University, and the University of Berlin. He was a highly regarded writer who authored not only books, but also articles for the Jewish Encyclopedia.