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The King of Schnorrers
Israel Zangwill
Book Overview:
Manasseh da Costa is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18th-century London. But Manasseh is far from being a humble panhandler for, as every schnorrer knows, supporting the poor is a commandment from God (a mitzvah) not just a favor. And as the descendant of Portuguese Jews who had lived in England for many generations, Manasseh is the social superior of those newly arrived from Eastern Europe (called ‘Tedesco’), even his wealthy patron Joseph Grobstock. As this hilarious satire concludes the ever-audacious Manasseh strikes a blow for tolerance—while helping himself along the way. Israel Zangwill was born in England of Russian parents. He was the author of “Children of the Ghetto,” a novel set in London’s heavily Jewish East End.
Grotesques and Fantasies is a set of often funny, sometimes tragic stories by Israel Zangwill. Most famous for his scathingly accurate portrayals of the Jewish ghetto, these stories have a wider stage, poking fun at social conventions and society itself, both high and low. The real and the fantastic collide to produce a world uniquely Zangwill's.
These are the tales of figures as diverse as a pantomime dragon, an excellent butler, a man living his life in the wrong order and a Jewish maiden who knows exactly what she is worth. Well observed and original, the satire is biting and the wit sparkling.
Manasseh da Costa is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18th-century London. But Manasseh is far from being a humble panhandler for, as every schnorrer knows, supporting the poor is a commandment from God (a mitzvah) not just a favor. And as the descendant of Portuguese Jews who had lived in England for many generations, Manasseh is the social superior of those newly arrived from Eastern Europe (called ‘Tedesco’), even his wealthy patron Joseph Grobstock. As this hilarious satire concludes the ever-audacious Manasseh strikes a blow for tolerance—while helping himself along the way. Israel Zangwill was born in England of Russian parents. He was the author of “Children of the Ghetto,” a novel set in London’s heavily Jewish East End.
Grotesques and Fantasies is a set of often funny, sometimes tragic stories by Israel Zangwill. Most famous for his scathingly accurate portrayals of the Jewish ghetto, these stories have a wider stage, poking fun at social conventions and society itself, both high and low. The real and the fantastic collide to produce a world uniquely Zangwill's.
These are the tales of figures as diverse as a pantomime dragon, an excellent butler, a man living his life in the wrong order and a Jewish maiden who knows exactly what she is worth. Well observed and original, the satire is biting and the wit sparkling.
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"Ye-es," said the humorist, astonished and vaguely alarmed. Then the storm burst.
"You impertinent scoundrel! You jackanapes! You low, beggarly rapscallion! And so you refused to show my guest into my box!"
[59]
[60]
"Are you Mr. da Costa?" faltered the humorist.
"Yes, I am Mr. da Costa, but you won't much longer be door-keeper, if this is the way you treat people who come to see your pieces. Because, forsooth, the man looks poor, you think you can bully him safely—forgive me, Yankelé, I am so sorry I did not manage to come here before you, and spare you this insulting treatment! And as for you, my fine fellow, let me tell you that you make a great mistake in judging from appearances. There are some good friends of mine who could buy up your theatre and you and your miserable little soul at a moment's notice, a. . . Read More
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Community Reviews
An amusing satire, full of clever wit, and, incidently, a picture of the London Jewish society and culture of the late 18th century (or as Zangwill imagined it, anyway). But troubling. Had this book been written by a non-Jew, it might be disdained as an example of anti-Semetic charicature. I read th
Libro molto divertente e spassoso. Le avventure bizzarre di uno schnorrer raccontate con il tipico umorismo ebraico, molto pungete e con retrogusto amaro.
Manasse Bueno Barzillai Azevedo Da Costa, il re degli schnorrer, è un personaggio unico, assurdo e con un codice a cui non viene mai meno.
Una lett
A charming comedy about a wily sefardi beggar who manages to fleece and humiliate all the leaders of his community. Outwitted by a beggar from the Ashkenazi community, Manasseh da Costa triumphs again when he turns his daughter's wedding to his advantage and obtains a life pension from his synagogue
Entertaining and insightful. A real window into another time and place. I laughed out loud several times.
I don’t remember why I downloaded this book, I assume it had something to do with the title, but I found it a very enjoyable Twain-like collection from an author who was apparently one of the most famous Jews in the world during his time. The titular story was hilarious, that dude deserved his crown
Happened upon this book accidentally and I loved it. It's a very clever and funny story of Jewish beggars.
I own a 1921 edition published by The American Jewish Book Co. It sports a very thick cover and is illustrated with scores of wonderful drawings by several artists, including the author. The stories I've read so far are told with plenty of humor, wit, and Zangwill's eye for detail and characterizati