On eve of Bay Area visit, Benny Morris wins book award for 1948

Historian Benny Morris has done it again. Like much of his previous research on the conflict in the Middle East, his latest book 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War, is quickly receiving recognition from the critics. On January 14, just two weeks before he arrives in the Bay Area for a series of lectures, the 2008 National Jewish Book Awards announced that Professor Morris is the winner of the Gerrard and Ella Berman Memorial Award in History for 1948.

Here's what the critics have to say: “What is so striking about Morris’s work as a historian is that it does not flatter anyone’s prejudices, least of all his own. […] No reader can emerge without a feeling of unease—which is to say, a sense of the moral and historical intricacy of the conflict.” - The New Yorker

“Morris himself is a controversial figure in the conflict over the conflict. […] Despite his personal views, Morris strives to give a balanced view of the conflict.” - The Washington Post

Professor Morris will lecture in three locations throughout the Bay Area during his visit.  Here's where you can find him: Book sales and signings will follow each session.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 7:30 pm Congregation Beth Am 26790 Arastradero Rd. - Los Altos Hills - map (650) 493-4661 FREE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 7:30 pm UC Berkeley Morrison Library (at the North Entrance to the Doe Library) 438 Doe Library, Berkeley - map (510) 643-3353 FREE

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 8:00 pm Jewish Community Center of San Francisco 3200 California Street, San Francisco - map JCCSF Members: $10 | Public: $12 | Students: $10 Buy tickets online

Visit www.israelinthebay.org for a full description of the lecture events and other Israeli culture coming to the Bay Area.