"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.

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.

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 the political spectrum or the other. Wheatcroft, an observer from the outside, by way of a secular Christian background, manages to keep the flow of factual information coming without falling into the trap of bending the information to a particular point of view. And he does this in an interesting and informal manner. The author, quite modestly states in the preface. "All in all this is an amateur work, but in two senses: It is written by someone who is not a professional authority, but as well in the primary definition of an amateur as one who is fond of the subject." He may call himself an amateur, but if this is so, let it be known that he certainly has done his research, as there were very few, if any, inaccuracies in the book. By Mr. Whaeatcroft's own admission there were certain omissions to the story. One in particular was the parallel story of the Arab arguments which Mr. Wheatcroft explains this way. "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, that although the Arab community was very much a part of the story of Zionism, the books focus was rather the impact that Zionism had on the Jews. Mr. Wheatcroft never deviates from 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 more to the publisher than to Mr. Wheatcroft. Being that he is British, there is a distinct difference in literary styles between American and the British use of English. I wish more care would have been taken in the use of phrases and words in the release of this work in the U.S. One that was more conducive to the American literary style. It is maybe a small thing, and I apologize for it but it would have made the read a lot smoother if I was not left to figure out exactly what is being said or stopping to look up words in a dictionary that normally I would not have to do. More often than not, I was forced to do so, which went from amusing when I started the book to very frustrating towards the end. The other criticism, is the fact that quotes in other languages many times did not have English translations 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 this field to have this book in their library. It provided a sense of Zionism that is not often enough debated. If we are to move into the 21st. century with a constantly changing and morphing Zionist ideology it is necessary to understand the solutions as well as the problems such an idea caused in the past. With a clearer understanding, Zionism can become the working ideology that it was meant to become for each successive generation to come. .......Larry Hart, Reseda, California