This work investigates the historical contributions of Jewish people to the development of civilization. Joseph Jacobs, a noted folklorist and anthropologist, draws upon his previous work, 'Studies in Jewish Statistics,' to present a scholarly examination of Jewish influence. The book utilizes statistical and historical data to analyze the impact of Jewish communities across various fields, likely focusing on social and cultural advancements as indicated by its origins in anthropological studies.

This book is a scholarly republication of Joseph Jacobs's 1891 work, 'Studies in Jewish Statistics,' originally presented in the Journal of the Anthropological Institute. Its re-release in 2007 indicates a continued academic interest in Jacobs's statistical and historical analysis of Jewish contributions to civilization. The work is likely to be of interest to scholars of Jewish history, sociology, and anthropology, offering a specific historical perspective on the subject.