This work investigates the complex relationship between traditional religious antisemitism and the emergence of modern, secular forms of prejudice. Hyam Maccoby, a scholar of Jewish history and theology, argues that antisemitism did not vanish with the Enlightenment but instead underwent a transformation, adapting its core tropes to fit the frameworks of modern political and social ideologies. By examining the transition from medieval anti-Judaism to modern racial and political antisemitism, the author provides a framework for understanding how ancient hatreds persist within contemporary structures.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this text for its rigorous examination of the ideological shifts that allowed antisemitism to survive the secularization of Europe. Experts highlight the author's ability to bridge the gap between theological history and modern sociological analysis, making it a foundational resource for those studying the persistence of systemic prejudice.