Invention of the Jewish People

The bestselling study of Jewish history

Exploding the myth that there was a forced Jewish exile in the first century at the hands of the Romans, Israeli historian Shlomo Sand argues that most modern Jews descend from converts, whose native lands were scattered across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. In the process, Sand dismantles the founding myth of the Jewish homeland.

This new edition, ten years after the book’s first publication in English, includes a new introduction that revisits the controversy the book continues to ignite.


“Sand's questions about how Israel's democracy can be liberalized and stabilized are thought-provoking and deserve serious discussion.” – Haaretz

“Perhaps books combining passion and erudition don't change political situations, but if they did, this one would count as a landmark.” – Eric Hobsbawm, Observer

“[Sand's] quiet earthquake of a book is shaking historical faith in the link between Judaism and Israel.” – Rafael Behr, Observer

“Anyone interested in understanding the contemporary Middle East should read this book.” – Tony Judt

“Extravagantly denounced and praised.” – New York Times

“No discussion of the region any longer seems complete without acknowledgement of this book.” – Independent on Sunday, Best History Books of 2009

“A radical dismantling of a national myth.” – Guardian