By Martin Gilbert
Carlton Books, £30
This celebratory book, covering events from the endeavours of Herzl to the erection of the separation barrier, is all of 64 pages long. Yet it is replete with maps, detachable posters, illustrations and pull-out facsimile documents. It tells the remarkable story of Israel’s 60 years — an achievement recognised in the Arab world and beyond.
Sir Martin Gilbert’s expertise in producing popular books for the general reader is certainly up to scratch in this stunning publication. It certainly is a worthy teaching tool for schools. The pull-out imitation of Herzl’s diary would alone be interesting for students of the German language.
Flying the flag with posters
Gilbert also includes the last letter of 22-year-old, British-born Esther Cailingold, written as she lay dying in a Jordanian field hospital: “I have tasted hell, but it has been worthwhile, because I am convinced that the end will see a Jewish state and all our longings. I have lived my life fully, and very sweet it has been in our land.” Such were the idealism and hopes of 1948.