'Long and scholarly volume . . . Near brings us every primary source on
the topic, making this material available to the non-Hebrew reader for the first
time . . . a treasure trove of information.'
Sara Reguer, AJS Review
'The most systematic and comprehensive book ever written on the first three
decades of kibbutz history . . . the abundant statistical data and tables convey
the realities beyond the aspirations, and there are descriptions of everyday
life and of developments in kibbutz society and education.'
Yuval Dror, Catedra
'Pays special attention to the kibbutz movement as such and has added excerpts
from historical sources to give an insight into the changing quality of kibbutz
life as experienced by its members.'
International Review of Social History
'There has been no systematic survey of its historical development until
Henry Near's fascinating and detailed account . . . The story is told in meticulous
detail.'
Leon Sheleff, Jerusalem Post
'This is an excellent and well researched book that is well written, with
illuminating recollections and quotations from memoires. It is a pleasure to
read and its sequel will be well worth waiting for.'
Hugh Courts, Jewish Book News & Reviews
'Excellent . . . the first comprehensive history of the Kibbutz movement
in any language.'
Barry Shenker, Jewish Chronicle
'Henry Near has pioneered the history of the Kibbutz movement for the English
reader.'
Noah Lucas, Journal of Jewish Studies
'Notably thoughtful and scholarly . . . he has succeeded in putting together
an admirably coherent and clearly written account of the kibbutz movement's
history, an authoritative narrative account of which has long been needed. When
completed by a second volume, The Kibbutz Movement: A History is sure to serve
as the standard text on the subject for years to come.'
David Vital, Times Literary Supplement