In 'Chosen Peoples', Israel Zangwill embarks on a profound exploration of the concept of 'chosenness' among different nations, with a special focus on the Jewish experience. Delivered as the first 'Arthur Davis Memorial Lecture' in 1918, Zangwill's narrative weaves historical enlightenment with philosophical insight, reflecting the author's own intellectual pursuits during an era when questions of national identity and destiny were intensely debated. The lecture traverses a range of topics, including nationhood, divinity, and cultural evolution, all delivered through Zangwill's articulate and thoughtful literary style, which is both accessible and deeply academic, placing the piece firmly in its literary and historical context amid the post-World War I reconstruction and introspection. Israel Zangwill, an esteemed British author and playwright of Jewish descent, was renowned for his engagement with issues of Jewish identity and Zionism. His writings often grappled with the complexities and nuances of cultural assimilation and nationalism. Zangwill's personal experiences and his active participation in intellectual circles of the time contributed to the depth of thought evident in 'Chosen Peoples', as he sought to make sense of the Jewish peoples' historical narrative in the context of global events and ideologies. 'Chosen Peoples' is recommended to scholars and readers with an interest in Jewish history, philosophy, and the broader questions of ethnicity and national self-determination. Zangwill's masterful oration is not merely a historical document; it is an enduring scholarly engagement with themes that remain pertinent to contemporary discussions of cultural identity and pluralism. As such, this carefully reproduced edition deserves recognition and considered reflection, promising to enrich the reader's understanding of a complex and ever-relevant set of issues.