This is a controversial book. It is a critical account of the historical, political and cultural roots of Zionism. John Rose shows how this powerful political force is based in mythology; ancient, medieval and modern. Many of these stories, as with other mythologies, have no basis in fact. However, because Zionism is a living political force, these myths have been used to justify very real and political ends -- namely, the expulsion and continuing persecution of the Palestinians. Chapter-by-chapter, John Rose scrutinises the roots of the myths of Zionism. Mobilising recent scholarship, he separates fact from fiction presenting a detailed analysis of their origins and development. This includes a challenge to Zionism's biblical claims using very recent and very startling Israeli archaeological conclusions. He provides a detailed exploration of Judaism's links to the Middle East. He shows clearly that Zionism makes many false claims on Jewish religion and history. He questions its rationale as a response to European anti-Semitism, and shows that, if there is ever to be peace and reconciliation in the land of Palestine, this intellectual dishonesty must be addressed.

John Rose teaches Sociology at Southwark College and London Metropolitan University.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. 'The Bible is our Mandate'
2. 'The Distinguishing Characteristic of the Jews has been their Exile'
3. 'Eighteen Centuries of Jewish Suffering'
4. 'Us' Jews 'Them' Arabs: A Message from a Cairo synagogue, a thousand years ago
5. 'A land without people à
6. àfor a people without land'
7. Plucky Little Israel or Great Power ProtTgT?: Britain & the Zionist colony in Palestine
8. 'The Nazi Holocaust proved the urgency for a Jewish State'
9. Plucky Little Israel or Great Pow