1948: A Soldier's Tale - The Bloody Road to Jerusalem

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The first eye-witness account ever published of the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, this riveting memoir of a young Israeli soldier became an instant bestseller on publication in 1949, and is still recognized as the outstanding book of that war, in the tradition of Erich Maria Remarques All Quiet on the Western Front. First joining the Givati Brigade and later volunteering for "Samsons Foxes", the legendary commando unit, Avnery took part in almost all the major battles on the Jerusalem and southern fronts. Written from the trenches, and from a military hospital bed, he offers an extraordinarily detailed account of the war, of fast-paced battles, and acts of extreme bravery, as well as the camaraderie and off-duty exploits of young men and women thrust into the front line. This is a gripping, sensitive, and at times deeply poignant account of the day-to-day brutalities of one of the most significant wars of our times.

Reviews

"The two books by this remarkable man are brought together here for the first time."

"1948 is a tenacious attempt to communicate the reality of war. It has invited comparison to Erich Maria Remarques 1928 classic All Quiet on the Western Front, and deserves it.

This is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Israel and the War of Independence.

Author Bio

Uri Avnery, ex-soldier, ex-member of the Israeli parliament, author, journalist, and the first Israeli ever to meet Yasser Arafat, co-founded the peace organization Gush Shalom. He has received numerous awards for his extensive humanitarian work, including the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize. He lives in Tel Aviv.