Description: An insightful study of the inner life of the Zionist leader responsible for the creation of the state of Israel
Review Quotes: "The most intimate yet unflinching portrait to date of a man revered and reviled. . . . Shapira may be the last truly qualified person to unpack some of the mysteries of Israel's George Washington."--Ilene Prusher, New York Times Book Review
"Keenly observed . . . Ms. Shapira tries to shed light on the inner life of the man whom fellow Zionist leader Berl Katznelson called 'history's gift to the Jewish people.'"--Liel Leibovitz, Wall Street Journal "In her valuable new biography, Shapira provides a concise appraisal of a founding father of the nation that was once only the dream of generations. . . . A brief but full-color biography of an essential leader."--Kirkus Reviews "Fair and balanced . . . Ben-Gurion created the State of Israel and set it on its path. Shapira adeptly records how he did it and chronicles the rest of his storm-tossed life, so that future generations may appreciate both his achievement and his faults."--Rabbi Jack Reimer, JNS "Shapira, who is part of this series' editorial team, covers Ben-Gurion's life story sufficiently while highlighting the attributes that led him to become what Katznelson called 'history's gift to the Jewish people.'"--Neal Gendler, American Jewish World "Valuable . . . A brief but full-color biography of an essential leader."--Kirkus Reviews 2015 Silver Medal Winner for the Washington Institute Book Prize given by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy "Anita Shapira portrays David Ben-Gurion as a man who, at some of the most crucial junctures in the whole of Jewish history, led his people, almost alone, by his prophetic foresight, his iron resolution and his fierce sense of reality. Yet, Shapira does not idealize her protagonist: he is portrayed in her brilliant book as a man who was often insensitive to others, ferociously stubborn and incredibly lonely. I read this fascinating book with both intellectual and emotional thrill."--Amos Oz, author of A Tale of Love and Darkness "A beautiful portrayal of a man of exceptional character, whose transcendent love of his people informed his vision."--Shimon Peres, former President of Israel "Shapira unearths new archival sources and provides fresh perspectives. A tour de force and a must read."--Jehuda Reinharz, Brandeis University