| In these days of patriotic cynicism some readers may be inclinedto disbelieve the behavior of the zealots of Masada. I direct thedoubts of such unfortunates to more contemporary martyrs, saythose of Hungary who defied Russian tanks with rocks, and thoselike the Czech Jan Palach, who chose to welcome the Russianinvaders by self-immolation. Also present at the barricades havebeen the many wildly courageous North and South Vietnamese,Cubans, Africans, Russians, Frenchmen, Germans, Chinese, Greeks,Bulgars, and Japanese, who in one fashion or another decided lifewas not worth living without what they personally conceived asfreedom. These are the true Now people and there will unques-tionably be more of them tomorrow. In the loosely employed name of freedom man remains the onlycreature on earth to make war on his own species. Anyone whohas convinced himself patriotism is dead has learned nothing fromancient history and does not know contemporary history. I have been meticulously careful to insure authenticity through-out this book. Many facts were available, although nowhere nearthe quantity found in the usual research of a historical event. Soif I have erred, it is not for want of trying. The works of Josephuswere of course of inestimable value, but unfortunately he was notpersonally present to report the siege of Masada. The magnificentworks and archeological research, plus~e vicarious inspiration ofYigael Yadin, affected this writing more than any other singleforce. From his discoveries I have contrived a story. |
内容加载中，请稍后...
商品评论（0条）