Herzl might as well be the literary Washington given that he single-handedly ignited the passionate culmination of Zionism and its predecessors which, hitherto, had been lapsing in theoretical paradigms before he lent them pragmatic dimensions.

But-where Avineri's volume is concerned-don't get your hopes up that 'Herzl' is a comprehensive volume on the man's life. Nowhere close. It only charts his life through his significant achievement: his advocacy of Zionism and an independent Jewish homeland. Nonetheless, it is still critical reading for all hobbyists and seasoned veterans of either historical studies or political studies.