Phyllis goldsteins a convenient hatred offers a thorough and readable survey of the history of antisemitism even though it does not provide any information or insights that will be particularly new to anyone who is at least generally familiar with the arc of jewish history the book reads much like a textbook for a college course on antisemitism and in that regard accomplishes its task quite well. A convenient hatred the history of antisemitism will make both a valuable and timely contribution to our understanding of this subject lawrence l langer author of holocaust testimonies the ruins of memory winner of the national book critics circle award for criticism. A convenient hatred the history of antisemitism 432 pages is an accessible history of antisemitism this book masterfully communicates the magnitude of this hatred over the centuries and reveals why so many people in so many places have found antisemitism a most convenient hatred. A convenient hatred the history of antisemitism will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of this subject lawrence l langer holocaust testimonies engaging the reader with narratives this book provides an easy to understand history of an important topic without overwhelming the reader with dry dates and statistics. A convenient hatred chronicles a very particular hatred through powerful stories that allow readers to see themselves in the tarnished mirror of history it raises important questions about the consequences of our assumptions and beliefs and the ways we as individuals and as members of a society make distinctions between us and them right and wrong good and evil