What do you think?
Rate this book
The Revolt: Story of the Irgun
English (translation)
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
114 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Menachem Begin
15 books12 followersRussian-Israeli politician Menachem Begin from 1943 led Irgun, the Zionist underground movement in Palestine, until the establishment in 1948 and afterward, known for his hard-line views on the Arabs, as prime minister from 1977 to 1983 strove to resolve the conflict and shared the Nobel Prize for peace of 1978 with Muhammad Anwar el-Sadat of Egypt.
Muhammad Anwar el-Sadat shared the Nobel Prize of 1978 for peace with Menachem Begin, Israeli prime minister, for negotiations that led to a treaty of 1979.
Menachem Begin founded Likud. He, considered among most extraordinary individuals, played a key role in the creation of the state and served sixth.
Family of young Begin fled the Nazis. He escaped to Vilna and headed revisionist youth of Betar. People arrested him in 1940 and detained him in Lukiskes prison under the false assumption that he spied for Britain. Interrogated and tortured, he stayed in prison until May 1942 and then joined the army of Władysław Anders of Poland. Sent at some later time, he joined and quickly headed the Jewish nationals.
Defense forces of Israel captured the Sinai peninsula in the six-day war. In most significant achievement, Begin signed a treaty in 1979. In the wake of the Camp David accords, the forces withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula. Begin authorized the bombing of the Osirak nuclear plant in Iraq and the invasion of Lebanon in 1982 to fight strongholds of Palestine Liberation Organization and thus ignited the war.
The death Aliza Begin, his wife, in November 1982 depressed him, who gradually withdrew from public life until his resignation in October 1983.
Muhammad Anwar el-Sadat shared the Nobel Prize of 1978 for peace with Menachem Begin, Israeli prime minister, for negotiations that led to a treaty of 1979.
Menachem Begin founded Likud. He, considered among most extraordinary individuals, played a key role in the creation of the state and served sixth.
Family of young Begin fled the Nazis. He escaped to Vilna and headed revisionist youth of Betar. People arrested him in 1940 and detained him in Lukiskes prison under the false assumption that he spied for Britain. Interrogated and tortured, he stayed in prison until May 1942 and then joined the army of Władysław Anders of Poland. Sent at some later time, he joined and quickly headed the Jewish nationals.
Defense forces of Israel captured the Sinai peninsula in the six-day war. In most significant achievement, Begin signed a treaty in 1979. In the wake of the Camp David accords, the forces withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula. Begin authorized the bombing of the Osirak nuclear plant in Iraq and the invasion of Lebanon in 1982 to fight strongholds of Palestine Liberation Organization and thus ignited the war.
The death Aliza Begin, his wife, in November 1982 depressed him, who gradually withdrew from public life until his resignation in October 1983.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 3, 2021
Menachem Begin, was undoubtedly one of the greatest soldiers and leaders of the 20th century.
In this book he writes with great passion, depth, humour, love, humility, total honesty and total lack of bitterness.
It is the true story of the dreams of a nation to throw off 2 000 years of persecution, death and homelessness, and to re-establish a Jewish State in the eternal home of the Jewish people-Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel).
He writes of the struggles faced by the Jewish people, and particularly the brave young men and women of the Irgun Zvai Leumi, the Jewish Partisans of freedom, who gave all (often their lives) for the rebirth of a free and proud Jewish nation in their ancestral homeland.
While this is a true story, it is thrilling to read, and Begin proves that he is also an accomplished and entertaining writer.
He shockingly highlights the cruel role of the British authorities in suppressing the Jews in their own homeland,
We also learn how the British mandatory authorities armed the Arabs and did everything possible, collaboration with the Arab forces, to try and ensure the total destruction of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel (i.e. a second holocaust)
They are showing the same callousness in regard to Jewish men, women and children being murdered today, as they did during the British Mandate.
I have noticed that it is quite popular in pro-Arab and anti-Israel circles to point to the brave fighters of Irgun Zvai Leumi and Lehi (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel) and accuse them of having been terrorists , using the dangerous argument that `If the goal of establishing a homeland for displaced, disenfranchised people was valid for Begin and the Irgun, can the same not be said for the Palestinians?'
This is in fact grossly dishonest.
The Irgun and Lehi never, at any time, targeted civilians, and Begin describes in `The Revolt' how the Irgun took great pains to avoid civilian casualties, often at great risk to their own soldiers.
The Irgun specially planned the bombing of the King David Hotel (headquarters of the British occupation army) so that no civilians would be hurt, and warned the British in advance of this operation, urging all civilians and women to be evacuated. They even chose a time for the bomb when they thought that no civilians would be in the building.
The response of the British police official responding to the warnings was `We don't take orders from the Jews'.
The Irgun also never deliberately harmed Arab women and children and always took great pains not to do so, contrary to the anti-semitic myths.
Compare this to the deliberate aims of the PLO, Fatah-Tanzim, the al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the PFLP, the DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbollah, and all other Arab terrorist organizations, to strike specifically at Israeli women and children , specifically choosing targets where the greatest death and injury can be done to them.
Arab homicide bombers by their own testimony search out the busses and bus routes where the most women and children traveled on, in order to target them.
Arab terrorists have entered Jewish homes and shot Jewish children in their beds.
The Irgun did none of this. So to use the struggle of the Irgun to justify Palestinian mass murder is reprehensible
Most importantly Menachem Begin highlights the indestructible spirit of the Jewish and Israeli people:
"If we learn and remember, we shall overcome our enemies, They will never succeed in enslaving us again. Never. Even if they overwhelm us we shall throw off their yoke...They will not break us.'
Those engaged in the current campaign to destroy Israel , should remember those words.
In this book he writes with great passion, depth, humour, love, humility, total honesty and total lack of bitterness.
It is the true story of the dreams of a nation to throw off 2 000 years of persecution, death and homelessness, and to re-establish a Jewish State in the eternal home of the Jewish people-Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel).
He writes of the struggles faced by the Jewish people, and particularly the brave young men and women of the Irgun Zvai Leumi, the Jewish Partisans of freedom, who gave all (often their lives) for the rebirth of a free and proud Jewish nation in their ancestral homeland.
While this is a true story, it is thrilling to read, and Begin proves that he is also an accomplished and entertaining writer.
He shockingly highlights the cruel role of the British authorities in suppressing the Jews in their own homeland,
We also learn how the British mandatory authorities armed the Arabs and did everything possible, collaboration with the Arab forces, to try and ensure the total destruction of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel (i.e. a second holocaust)
They are showing the same callousness in regard to Jewish men, women and children being murdered today, as they did during the British Mandate.
I have noticed that it is quite popular in pro-Arab and anti-Israel circles to point to the brave fighters of Irgun Zvai Leumi and Lehi (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel) and accuse them of having been terrorists , using the dangerous argument that `If the goal of establishing a homeland for displaced, disenfranchised people was valid for Begin and the Irgun, can the same not be said for the Palestinians?'
This is in fact grossly dishonest.
The Irgun and Lehi never, at any time, targeted civilians, and Begin describes in `The Revolt' how the Irgun took great pains to avoid civilian casualties, often at great risk to their own soldiers.
The Irgun specially planned the bombing of the King David Hotel (headquarters of the British occupation army) so that no civilians would be hurt, and warned the British in advance of this operation, urging all civilians and women to be evacuated. They even chose a time for the bomb when they thought that no civilians would be in the building.
The response of the British police official responding to the warnings was `We don't take orders from the Jews'.
The Irgun also never deliberately harmed Arab women and children and always took great pains not to do so, contrary to the anti-semitic myths.
Compare this to the deliberate aims of the PLO, Fatah-Tanzim, the al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the PFLP, the DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbollah, and all other Arab terrorist organizations, to strike specifically at Israeli women and children , specifically choosing targets where the greatest death and injury can be done to them.
Arab homicide bombers by their own testimony search out the busses and bus routes where the most women and children traveled on, in order to target them.
Arab terrorists have entered Jewish homes and shot Jewish children in their beds.
The Irgun did none of this. So to use the struggle of the Irgun to justify Palestinian mass murder is reprehensible
Most importantly Menachem Begin highlights the indestructible spirit of the Jewish and Israeli people:
"If we learn and remember, we shall overcome our enemies, They will never succeed in enslaving us again. Never. Even if they overwhelm us we shall throw off their yoke...They will not break us.'
Those engaged in the current campaign to destroy Israel , should remember those words.
March 29, 2020
brilliant analysis of incident after incident and the overall context, by a man who, as much as any other, was responsible for the establishment of the State of Israel ... of course it's from his viewpoint, and we know that others disagree, but it seems to me that Begin presents the facts as he knew them clearly and honestly, draws his conclusions, and then others (including the reader) may agree or not
... Britain would promise the Jews a Home—in Palestine. Not Palestine as a Home, but a Home in Palestine. Britain would have Palestine, and the Jews would have a Home in it. Such a policy would also help British interests in America, for the Jews there had influence. ... But what if too many Jews should want to go to their National Home? ... in the event of overabundance of Jews, there were always Arabs available as troublemakers ... Thus the blueprint was evolved; the Arabs, when required, would “rebel” against the “foreign invasion”; and the Jews would be forever a threatened minority. ... Each would have to be protected from the other—by British bayonets.
... it was the period 1945–46 that was decisive. During that period the Haganah, which was under the control of the official Zionist institutions, joined in our struggle against the British regime. The people suddenly realized that those who had been described by official Zionist propaganda as “crazy” had merely outstripped the official institutions in foreseeing events and in doing what had to be done. ... The “iron wall round the fighting youth,” for which we had appealed in our proclamation of the revolt, was in fact built up. ... we found sympathisers in all classes and parties, and this sympathy turned the scales.
... “The State of Israel has arisen. And it has arisen ‘Only Thus:’[1] Through blood, through fire, with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with sufferings and with sacrifices. It could not have been otherwise. … Darkness was all about us. Blackout. Not a glimmer of light. The darkness would continue. Blood would still be shed. But beyond the sorrow and the darkness the rosy dawn was breaking through. We had come forth from slavery to freedom. On the morrow the sun would shine. And Jewish children once more would laugh.
... Britain would promise the Jews a Home—in Palestine. Not Palestine as a Home, but a Home in Palestine. Britain would have Palestine, and the Jews would have a Home in it. Such a policy would also help British interests in America, for the Jews there had influence. ... But what if too many Jews should want to go to their National Home? ... in the event of overabundance of Jews, there were always Arabs available as troublemakers ... Thus the blueprint was evolved; the Arabs, when required, would “rebel” against the “foreign invasion”; and the Jews would be forever a threatened minority. ... Each would have to be protected from the other—by British bayonets.
... it was the period 1945–46 that was decisive. During that period the Haganah, which was under the control of the official Zionist institutions, joined in our struggle against the British regime. The people suddenly realized that those who had been described by official Zionist propaganda as “crazy” had merely outstripped the official institutions in foreseeing events and in doing what had to be done. ... The “iron wall round the fighting youth,” for which we had appealed in our proclamation of the revolt, was in fact built up. ... we found sympathisers in all classes and parties, and this sympathy turned the scales.
... “The State of Israel has arisen. And it has arisen ‘Only Thus:’[1] Through blood, through fire, with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with sufferings and with sacrifices. It could not have been otherwise. … Darkness was all about us. Blackout. Not a glimmer of light. The darkness would continue. Blood would still be shed. But beyond the sorrow and the darkness the rosy dawn was breaking through. We had come forth from slavery to freedom. On the morrow the sun would shine. And Jewish children once more would laugh.
May 14, 2016
-Mirando hacia atrás sin ira pero con mucha convicción.-
Género. Ensayo (no exactamente pero sí, aunque tenga biografía, aunque tenga historia. En realidad es crónica, pero no tenemos esa clasificación en el blog).
Lo que nos cuenta. Recuerdos y reflexiones del autor, que llegó a Primer Ministro y recibió incluso el Premio Nobel de la Paz, sobre la lucha por la independencia de su país contra el enemigo británico y árabe, que nos llevan desde su juventud en la URSS bajo ataque alemán durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta el día siguiente de la Declaración de independencia de Israel (casualmente, un día como hoy de hace 68 años), pasando por su participación activa en la lucha en la organización paramilitar (o terrorista para muchos en aquel tiempo, o rebelde para otros) Irgún.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com....
Género. Ensayo (no exactamente pero sí, aunque tenga biografía, aunque tenga historia. En realidad es crónica, pero no tenemos esa clasificación en el blog).
Lo que nos cuenta. Recuerdos y reflexiones del autor, que llegó a Primer Ministro y recibió incluso el Premio Nobel de la Paz, sobre la lucha por la independencia de su país contra el enemigo británico y árabe, que nos llevan desde su juventud en la URSS bajo ataque alemán durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta el día siguiente de la Declaración de independencia de Israel (casualmente, un día como hoy de hace 68 años), pasando por su participación activa en la lucha en la organización paramilitar (o terrorista para muchos en aquel tiempo, o rebelde para otros) Irgún.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com....
December 29, 2008
This is a thrilling book about the battle to oust the British from Palestine. It's the orignal David and Goliath story re-told. Menachem Begin is modest about his own role and full of praise for everyone around him. His personal story is gripping and he has a knack for telling a good tale. The story also refutes many points in "official" histories on the birth of Israel, which take the point of the view of Jewish Agency officials who later became the first leaders of Israel. Begin's book also is far more readable than the autobiography of Ben Gurion, which comes off as dull, bureaucratic, and self-important. But both do emphasize a great sensitivity for human life. Begin's Irgun soldiers are termed "terrorists" -- but they never attacked civilians, only British soldiers. What a contrast to today's so-called freedom fighters.
December 12, 2019
Q: Mandela was greatly influenced by what he read while in prison, especially a book by Israeli leader Menachem Begin, about the militant Zionist organization Irgun. What is the title of the book written by late Israeli leader Menachem Begin?
February 20, 2019
This is more than just a book. It is a factual history of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the defense of the Jewish people in the land of Palestine. It details the opposition of the main Zionist leaders of Palestine Jews to armed insurrection. It details how prescient determined brave men overcame incredible odds to achieve results that could not have been achieved any other way. The establishment of the State of Israel could not have been achieved without the efforts of the Irgun and the foresight of the brilliant founder Vladimir Jabotinsky.
October 5, 2017
This book was riveting. My brother had just come back from Israel and was reading it, and I borrowed it from him on the plane ride back and could not put it down. It's an adventure movie in a book, and the amazing thing is that it all happened. You don't see this kind of derring-do in these modern times. This is the story of a scattered people who suddenly got sassy and decided not to be victims anymore, and the fight that ensued with a world who refused to allow them to be free. The modern state of Israel exists probably mostly because of this man and what he did.
August 20, 2018
To appreciate this book, you need to have at least read something on the history of Israel as a country. I highly recommend 'Lioness: Golda Meir And The Nation Of Israel" by Francine Klagsbrun. From this book you'll read not just about Golda but also the central figures and events that led to the birth of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. From there you can read respective individuals and/or events separately.
This book is not about the life of Menachem Begin as I initially thought but his role while he was the commander of Irgun Zvai Leumi's and the narratives of this underground revolutionary group in orchestrating a successful Jewish revolt against Britian occupation of Eretz Israel until Israel rebirth on May 14th, 1948.
I think I'm not the only one who had formed a prejudiced notion about the man, but I accepted my folly by saying I was wrong. He earned my upmost respect for what he stood for and didn't weaver on his belief of his duty to his fragile country which was: to free Eretz Israel from British occupation. Ironically I formed my prejudice toward Mr Begin from reading Lioness: Golda Meir And The Nation Of Israel!
His writing style, the prose he used and the occasional wittiness he applied here and there had the power to move me like no other writers I ever encounter before. And I read heck of a lot. Reading this book, I figured he was a born leader, a strategist, a visionary, a patriot and a lover of truth. There are several chapters in this book that have profoundly moved me: The "Altalena" Affair; When The Heart Weeps; The Flogging; Ordeal Of The Gallows; Dov Gruner; The Choice; Dawn; We Bow Our Heads. I shared his sadness, sorrow and pride.
Without giving away too much, you'll read the roles of British government/politicians and its policy towards the Jews pre, during and post WWII. And the general nature of British occupation in Eretz Israel--it was shocking and not widely known. And the frustating relations between Irgun with Haganah, the Jewish Agency, Mapai leaderships.
I can go on with this, but I would like to highlight what Mr Begin said in the closing of his book which I think still acutely relevant today for Israelis and the Diaspora Jews (who are pro-Israel) out there also because he had somehow foreseen the trouble ahead:
"Citizens of the Hebrew State, soldiers of Israel, we are in the midst of battles. Difficult days lie ahead of us... We cannot buy peace from our enemies with appeasement. There is only one kind of 'peace' that can be bought--the peace of the graveyard, the peace of Treblinki. Be brave of spirit and ready for more trials. We shall withstand them. The Lord of Hosts will help us; he will sustain the bravery of the Hebrew youth, the bravery of the Hebrew mothers who, like Hannah, offer their sons on the altar of God." (pg. 376)
This book is not about the life of Menachem Begin as I initially thought but his role while he was the commander of Irgun Zvai Leumi's and the narratives of this underground revolutionary group in orchestrating a successful Jewish revolt against Britian occupation of Eretz Israel until Israel rebirth on May 14th, 1948.
I think I'm not the only one who had formed a prejudiced notion about the man, but I accepted my folly by saying I was wrong. He earned my upmost respect for what he stood for and didn't weaver on his belief of his duty to his fragile country which was: to free Eretz Israel from British occupation. Ironically I formed my prejudice toward Mr Begin from reading Lioness: Golda Meir And The Nation Of Israel!
His writing style, the prose he used and the occasional wittiness he applied here and there had the power to move me like no other writers I ever encounter before. And I read heck of a lot. Reading this book, I figured he was a born leader, a strategist, a visionary, a patriot and a lover of truth. There are several chapters in this book that have profoundly moved me: The "Altalena" Affair; When The Heart Weeps; The Flogging; Ordeal Of The Gallows; Dov Gruner; The Choice; Dawn; We Bow Our Heads. I shared his sadness, sorrow and pride.
Without giving away too much, you'll read the roles of British government/politicians and its policy towards the Jews pre, during and post WWII. And the general nature of British occupation in Eretz Israel--it was shocking and not widely known. And the frustating relations between Irgun with Haganah, the Jewish Agency, Mapai leaderships.
I can go on with this, but I would like to highlight what Mr Begin said in the closing of his book which I think still acutely relevant today for Israelis and the Diaspora Jews (who are pro-Israel) out there also because he had somehow foreseen the trouble ahead:
"Citizens of the Hebrew State, soldiers of Israel, we are in the midst of battles. Difficult days lie ahead of us... We cannot buy peace from our enemies with appeasement. There is only one kind of 'peace' that can be bought--the peace of the graveyard, the peace of Treblinki. Be brave of spirit and ready for more trials. We shall withstand them. The Lord of Hosts will help us; he will sustain the bravery of the Hebrew youth, the bravery of the Hebrew mothers who, like Hannah, offer their sons on the altar of God." (pg. 376)
May 18, 2021
This is the book that inspired Nelson Mandela in his fight. A valuable view of history written by someone who was not only an eyewitness, but who helped to shape it, The Revolt is essential reading for anyone who wants to get a feeling of the revolutionary movement and the heroic deeds undertaken by the Irgun, without whom, the modern State of Israel might not have been founded.
If you aren't familiar with the history of Israel's early years, this book is not the place to start. Begin organizes his writing thematically, and makes references to things that would have been common knowledge his contemporaries, but might be obscure historical references to others. If, however, you do know the history, the main events that shaped the period leading up to the expulsion of the British, Begin's work will give you some new facts, but also leave you inspired.
If you aren't familiar with the history of Israel's early years, this book is not the place to start. Begin organizes his writing thematically, and makes references to things that would have been common knowledge his contemporaries, but might be obscure historical references to others. If, however, you do know the history, the main events that shaped the period leading up to the expulsion of the British, Begin's work will give you some new facts, but also leave you inspired.
May 30, 2025
Lesson learned: blame the British empire for a problem and you're likely on the right track.
A moving account of the life of one of the world's most accomplished men; who went from a Soviet Gulag to Israeli prime ministership, to Nobel Peace Prize winner for bringing peace with Egypt.
"The whole essence of our struggle was the determination to free our people of its chief affliction—fear. How could we continue to live in this hostile world in which the Jew was attacked because he was a Jew—how could we go on living without arms, without a Homeland, without elementary means of defense? ... We... arose therefore to rebel and fight, not in order to instill fear but to eradicate it."
Minus points because it goes on for far too long about inconsequential things, but I guess that's the point of an autobiography.
A moving account of the life of one of the world's most accomplished men; who went from a Soviet Gulag to Israeli prime ministership, to Nobel Peace Prize winner for bringing peace with Egypt.
"The whole essence of our struggle was the determination to free our people of its chief affliction—fear. How could we continue to live in this hostile world in which the Jew was attacked because he was a Jew—how could we go on living without arms, without a Homeland, without elementary means of defense? ... We... arose therefore to rebel and fight, not in order to instill fear but to eradicate it."
Minus points because it goes on for far too long about inconsequential things, but I guess that's the point of an autobiography.
June 20, 2017
Not a literary standout, but the book has a lot of first-person history that I found very interesting. The author's personal bias aside, it's an interesting insight into the formation of the state of Israel in 1948, an event that continues to effect America to this day. My motivation was research for a new espionage novel I'm working on (it will be called The King David: Collapse of an Empire) set in 1946 and focusing on the conflict between the British and the Jewish resistance. I wasn't disappointed.
September 8, 2018
Very powerfully written book by Menachem Begin. Menachem Begin was once derided as a terrorist. Indeed as a warrior he did cause some deaths. The result of his struggle was the miraculous creation of the land of Israel. This eloquent book sings, the same way condemned fighters sang Hatikvah on the gallows.
I was surprised by the man's writing style, intelligence and sensitivity. I only give it a "four" since the book, as in any book written by a participant, elevates his role.
I was surprised by the man's writing style, intelligence and sensitivity. I only give it a "four" since the book, as in any book written by a participant, elevates his role.
September 12, 2018
I recall being in high school and seeing Jimmy Carter, Begin and Sadat in the peace accords. I had NO idea that Begin was instrumental in leading Israel in their fight for independence and that he was so utterly brilliant. What a proud and determined people! Fighting for what God had given them. God’s people!
May 13, 2022
Freedom
An incredible story from one of the premier freedom fighters of the post World War II era. From Poland to imprisonment by the Soviets and later hunted by the British, the author shares insights into his personal quest for Israel.
An incredible story from one of the premier freedom fighters of the post World War II era. From Poland to imprisonment by the Soviets and later hunted by the British, the author shares insights into his personal quest for Israel.
October 24, 2025
Not an easy one to rate. An epic tale, told by an undeniably courageous man.
In light of later (and especially current) events, it is difficult not to consider if there will be a very similar Palestinian narrative, speaking of occupation forces, people standing up for what’s right, etc.
In light of later (and especially current) events, it is difficult not to consider if there will be a very similar Palestinian narrative, speaking of occupation forces, people standing up for what’s right, etc.
December 13, 2018
Interesting take on how to start a revolution. Begin was certainly enamored with himself, however. Certainly a sneer at the world-order and neo-liberal politics.
February 7, 2020
A good though biased insight in to Irgun.
June 21, 2021
Someone told me that Nelson Mandela described this book as one of the best histories of a revolution ever. I am interested in the subject, but could not get interested in the book.
December 30, 2022
Excellent informative
March 8, 2024
The “terrorism” is an exoteric reading. This is actually highly Socratic. Either way, a man who truly loved his people and his country.
Read
November 20, 2025For Terrorism
February 3, 2016
So, Menachem Begin might have been many things, but author, he was not. This isn't a brilliantly written book by any means, but for someone who is either 1) a historian or 2) a student, 3) extremely interested in the process which should result in the creation of Israel, 4) particularly interested in the Irgun and its different personalities or finally 5) for some reason interested in Israeli leaders, or all or some of the above, it's definitely interesting enough.
I'm not all of the above, but more than one of those categories apply, and even I find that a book written by a "real" historian and/or biographer would be far more interesting. This is more for source-reading and shouldn't be one's first nor only book on point 3 above.
I'm not all of the above, but more than one of those categories apply, and even I find that a book written by a "real" historian and/or biographer would be far more interesting. This is more for source-reading and shouldn't be one's first nor only book on point 3 above.
November 26, 2019
Totally fascinating! I confess to only having known about his later political years. His early years and the role he played in freeing the Zionists from British rule and creating the new independent state of Israel was unknown to me and I have a newfound respect for him. He was ruthless in many ways, but he had guts, fought for what he believed in and for his fellow Jews, and really introduced asymmetric warfare to the twentieth century before Ho and the Viet Minh did. Very, very interesting book.
October 6, 2015
Reading this book you would think that the Irgun was the sole force behind the creation and existence of the state of Israel. I'm just not as extreme as Begin and find some of the claims far-fetched. The book jumped between time periods so it was hard to figure out where a story fit in the overall chronology. It is interesting how much has changed since it was written in the 1950's.
September 11, 2016
So anti British I stopped reading it. He was a terrorist who murdered brave British soldiers.
May 28, 2008
There was some more action at the end, but it was a hard book to read. Made me want to brush up more on my history.
April 4, 2016
Simple to understand history of how Israel formed.
July 18, 2025
Tactical insight
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews