Dreyfus - A Family Affair: 1789-1945 (Michael Burns, 1991)

Another - and highly interesting/effective - take on the Dreyfus story.  This author provided a significantly broader view of the situation than anything I've previously read, well worth it.

A highly useful part of the background included Dreyfus family history going back to their days in Alsace and beyond.  In terms of Jewish experiences, very complementary to this book (which by coincidence I was working through at the same time).  Anti-Semitism intensifying as 20th century dawns - almost unbelievable, except that it somehow continues to this day.

Dreyfus family intensely patriotic notwithstanding everything - true believers in the ideals of the Revolution (if grievously tarnished).

It's really a truth-stranger-than-fiction situation - hugely interesting, very helpful in thinking about the 20th century.  Defining for France, etc.  No wonder folks like Proust were so focused - everyone was.

One other reaction:  the recent historical fiction version was really quite well done.

The Story of the Jews - Finding the Words - 1000 BC - 1492 AD (Simon Schama, 2013)

I need to know more on this topic, but was a bit reluctant to pick up this book as it is linked to a PBS TV series.  But not to worry - very readable, full of useful information, changed my understanding on a number of topics.  So I hope the author is credible.

Worth paging through multiple times.  A key takeaway - like other religions, this one is continually writing and rewriting its own history based on needs or objectives of leaders in various situations and geographies.  Meaning:  don't assume anyone's pronouncements are dispositive.

Author goes through biblical times, then into New Testament; the strange, and sad, manner in which persecutions flowered.

1492 is a logical breaking point given events in Spain, I will look forward to the next volume.