The Grandchildren Of The Ghetto
By Israel Zangwill
Published by J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd: London c1930 (undated)
Wayfarer's Library Edition In Original Cloth Bindings
"
The Grandchildren of the Ghetto is one of the important works of Anglo-Jewish author and social commentator Israel Zangwill (1864-1926), continuing the exploration of Jewish life begun in his celebrated Children of the Ghetto. Rather than concentrating upon the impoverished immigrant generation of London's East End, Zangwill turns his attention to their descendants and to the increasingly complex question of how Jewish identity might coexist with assimilation into wider British society. Through an interwoven cast of characters, the novel examines religion, class, marriage, social ambition and the competing attractions of tradition and modernity.
At the centre of the story is the conflict between inherited Jewish culture and the freedoms and expectations of late Victorian society. Zangwill approaches these questions through both humour and serious social observation, portraying a community divided between religious orthodoxy, secularisation, cultural assimilation and emerging ideas of Jewish nationalism. Chapters including "The Flag of Judah," "A Woman's Growth," "Esther Defies the Universe," "Going Home" and "Hopes and Dreams" reflect the novel's broad engagement with identity, belonging and generational change. First published in the 1890s, the work remains a fascinating literary portrait of Jewish experience at a period of considerable social transformation.
This attractive Wayfarer's Library edition, published by J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd, London circa 1930, is presented in its original green cloth binding with gilt spine lettering and decorative silhouette to the front board. The volume includes decorative fairy-patterned endpapers, an attractive colour frontispiece after Herbert Cole, an ornamental title page and a glossary, extending to approximately 250 pages. A pleasing period edition of an important work of Anglo-Jewish literature, with particular appeal to collectors of Israel Zangwill, Jewish social history, London literature and decorative Dent publications."
Light wear to covers and spine as shown. Small contemporary prior owner name only. Pages clean and well presented. A nice copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
