One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate

Tom Segev is just a good a writer as he is a historian, which is to say this is a great read. Anyone who truly wants to know the roots of the conflict between the Arab population and the Jews of Israel needs to read not only this book but all of Segev’s books on the subject. They tell the true story that has been impeccably researched and documented.

For one who wonders about the conflict in Israel/Palestine today, this book is an excellent starting point. It was an “eye opener.” My ignorance was revealed, and my ex ante viewpoint was deconstructed and demolished.

Unnervingly readable. Mr. Segev leaves the impression that he is at least attempting to be a truth-teller, even if the Israeli side looks bad here and there, and not just be a propagandist. There are so many of them these days - pseudo-historians in both the Palestinian and Israeli side out to convince the reader of the righteousness of THEIR cause under the guise of historical analysis.

This book focuses on the British mandate in Palestine which lead to the creation of the state of Israel. Using British, Jewish as well as Arab sources, in addition to state archives and the American embassy’s confidential reports, this book offers a broad perspective on how a minority of Jewish residents was able to establish themselves as the rulers of the country.The book shows how the political and diplomatic work of the Zionist organization bore fruits despite the attempts of Jewish terrorists to force a British departure. It also shows how these terror attacks influenced the British opinion and politics over time.Informative as it is, it only tells part of the complex story. Almost completely missing is the Arabs Nazi influence during WWII and the role their leadership played in the disaster or Nakba/catastrophe that lead to the Palestinian refugees and their not achieving independence.The books main focus is the British government. Without doubt the British had an immense influence on the establishment of Israel. The story of the war in Africa against Rommel and the Germans is only mentioned in the sidelines. The British defeat of the Germans was, however, pivotal in defending the Yishuv. Without that victory, the Jews would have been annihilated in North Africa and entire Middle East. Many Arabs would have lent a helpful hand, no doubt.Although there are other books covering that period in Palestinian/Eretz Israel history, this one is a good starting point. It doesn’t cover every aspect, and it doesn’t pretend to. If you are interested in the history of Israel and/or the Palestinians, this is the book to start with. But remember, this is only a beginning and there is much more to it.

Segev presents an even handed account, focusing on the three main players; the British Mandatory administration, the native Arab Palestinian population and the rise of Arab nationalism in opposition to the far more well connected and highly organized Jewish Zionist enterprise who, despite some considerable obstacles at times, largely benefited under the British commitment to the establishment of a Jewish "national home" in Palestine. A highly readable account which uses a good balance of well sourced official correspondence between key figures as well as ordinary citizens partaking in the formation of an inevitable conflict which the book does a lot to help you understand the nature of the unfortunate state of conflict which the British, perhaps unwittingly, played no small part in helping to lay the groundwork for.

A brilliantly written examination of Jews, Arabs, and the British in Jerusalem from the pre-World War I period to the independence of Israel! Segev builds his narrative around the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary Jews, Arabs, and British inhabitants of the city. All are tremendously interesting and provide an important back story that helps the reader to understand the complexities involved in trying to create a two-party state in Palestine. What is clear is that the Jews relentlessly pursued a well-laid out agenda to establish the state of Israel in Palestine. The Arabs simply couldn't compete economically, politically, militarily, or informationally - even the though land was theirs. This is a book worth reading!

This story pulls no punches, and refuses to give you a simple understanding of the situation. There are too many east opinions regarding Israel-Palestine, this book is wonderful!

I enjoyed the book. But there is too much small detail that muddles up the big picture. The subject interests me, and I am sure that what I thought to be true 40 years ago is not fully correct and this book offers another look. But, as noted, reader gets bogged down in small details.

Intéressante perspective sur la situation historique. ce qu'on oublie souvent dans nos analyses savantes avec la grande fresque des évènements.

As informative and entertaining a book as I've ever read. A masterpiece of historical writing. Hilarious re one of the era's - and maybe history's - greatest political operators: Chaim Weizmann, Head of the Zionist Movement. Re his 'remarkable ability to gain access to British policy makers and leave a strong impression on them'. MY FAVOURITE QUOTE FROM THE ENTIRE BOOK is a piece of absolute wisdom from him: "Hotels are always optimistic" (pg.144). (It proves to me that the guy was a genius. Just think about it. Any formal meeting in a hotel, however serious its nature, will have a slight 'we're on holiday' feel about it because it's being held in a hotel!.)I hope this whets your appetite for a truly magnificent read.

Very detailed and fully researched

The book shows the humanity of all involved... nobility of thought and purpose, corruption and depravity, pride and prejudice, stupidity and brilliance ... it is all there, on all sides, from the beginning. In vignettes and anecdotes, mostly, but put together in such a way as to give a decent sense of time and place. Iliked this book... but not everyone will.

Segev's landmark work provides clear evidence that the Palestinians were blindsided by both the British and the Zionists.