The Jews of Vienna and the First World War (The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization)

'Rechter analyses the effects of the wartime crisis on Jewish thinking with considerable skill, drawing on an impressive range of sources . . . He gives a particularly effective account of the disorientation and dislocation of Viennese Jews at the fall of the Empire and their efforts to forge a new collective vision of their place in stunted post-imperial Austria.' Bernard Wasserstein, Times Literary Supplement 'Excellent' Daniel Unowsky, Historical Journal 'A very valuable contribution.' Maureen Healy, Journal of Modern History 'The research Rechter has carried out in this work is thorough and top-notch . . . an invaluable guide to scholars in the field as well as graduate students who wish to understand the politics and the players involved . . . a piece of quality research . . . will serve as a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jewish history.' Ian Reifowitz, Shofar 'A pioneer work in this field . . . an excellent book.' Albert Friedlander, European Judaism The First World War marked the final chapter in the history of Habsburg Viennese Jewry. In this book, the first study of Viennese Jews in this period, David Rechter explores the community's crises of ideology and identity during the traumatic war years. The book is also a study of modern Jewish politics. Viennese and Austrian Jewish political culture was a unique amalgam, combining the nationalism and radicalism of eastern Europe with the liberalism of the west.