Thanks to these generous donors for making the publication of this book possible: JPS Board of Trustees . This JPS Guide chronicles the extraordinary history of American Jewry. Finkelstein tells the dramatic 350-year story of the people and events that shaped the lives of today’s American Jews. Divided into six time periods, American Jewish History describes Jewish life from the time of the early settlers, to the period of massive immigration that flooded the cities, to the incredible growth of Jews in positions of influence in business, politics, and the arts. This is a story of a people who affected not only the lives of Jews in the U.S. today, but also the course of American history itself. There are over 70 black and white photographs, maps, and charts and more than 120 feature boxes and biographies throughout, as well as timelines, notes, a bibliography, and index. Finkelstein has made the saga of American Jewry much more than a compilation of historical facts. This is wonderfully stimulating journey—a worthwhile adventure for readers of all ages.   "Both Judaic studies collections and general-interest holdings seeking an accessible, warm history of Jewish events would do well with the colorful, concise American Jewish History." -- The Midwest Book Review, June 2007 "The perfect introductory survey of American Jewish history and a core addition to personal, academic, and community library Judaic Studies and American History reference collections." -- Library Bookwatch, June 2007 A concise and colorful history of the Jewish people in the United States American Jewish History A concise and colorful history of the Jewish people in the United States In this accessible, engaging guide to the history of the Jewish people in the United States, National Jewish Book Award Winner, Norman H. Finkelstein tells the dramatic 350-year story, from the earliest Jewish settlers on America's shores to the incredible success of Jews in modern American business, politics, and arts. Each chapter focuses on a specific period and examines Jewish life at home, in the community, and in the larger American society. Illustrated with over 70 black and white photographs, maps, and charts, more than 120 feature boxes and biographies, as well as timelines, notes, a bibliography, and index, American Jewish History is your introduction to understanding the religious, historical, and cultural heritage of the Jewish people who helped shape a nation. Praise for Norman H. Finkelstein "Norman Finkelstein tells a fascinating story, and if it sounds like fiction sometimes, it's a tribute to his storytelling power." --Jewish Book Council Norman H. Finkelstein is the author of more than a dozen books, including the JPS titles Heeding the Call: Jewish Voices in American's Civil Rights Struggle (a 1997 National Jewish Book Award Winner) and Forged in Freedom: Shaping the Jewish-American Experience (a 2002 National Jewish Book Award Winner). He is the series editor of the JPS Guides. THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED JPS GUIDES SERIES IS A COLLECTION OF CONCISE REFERENCE BOOKS, EACH ON A TOPIC OF INTEREST WITHIN JEWISH STUDIES. OTHER TITLES INCLUDE: JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions JPS Guide to Jewish Women JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words Norman H. Finkelstein is a teacher and retired librarian and the award-winning author of many acclaimed books for children, including the JPS titles Heeding the Call: Jewish Voices in American's Civil Rights Struggle and Forged in Freedom: Shaping the Jewish-American Experience -- both National Jewish Book Award Winners -- and Remember Not to Forget.