Chaim Weizmann, David Ben-Gurion once said, was 'the most gifted and fascinating envoy the Jewish people ever produced'. --This text refers to the Paperback edition. Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly By the age of 11, Weizmann's commitment to Zionism was total and deeply emotional. Hobnobbing with Lloyd George and Balfour, wooing the pillars of the American Jewish establishment, the tireless Russian emigre maneuvered for over three decades to pry a charter for a Jewish state out of reluctant foreign governments. He called himself a "fanatic" and was known as a benevolent despot in Zionist affairs. His two estranged sons wanted no part of his politics. Solitary and aloof, the statesman-chemist took refuge in scientific research; his patents for explosives brought him a steady income. This solidly researched biography of Israel's first president is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the broken promises, frustrations and ploys that culminated in the creation of Israel. Its treatment of what Rose terms "the Arab question" is one-sided and cursory. The author, an English historian, teaches at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Photos not seen by PW. (November Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal This richly detailed study benefits from extensive research in known archival and manuscript sources. Weizmann, the first president of Israel, is characterized as the point man amidst powerful Jewish elements within the Zionist movement and the British home government and Palestine mandatory authority. Rose focuses on Weizmann's role in the work to develop an independent Israel, often overlooked by other historians. He delves into Weizmann's political philosophy as it was influenced by his lifetime involvement in science. A brilliant man of many talents and unswerving goal is made understandable. This is a more popular version of Weizmann's life than Jehuda Reinharz's excellent Chaim Weizmann ( LJ 4/1/85). Recommended for a wide array of readers. Sanford R. Silverburg, Political Science Dept., Catawba Coll., Salisbury, N.C. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.