The King of Schnorrers: Grotesques and Fantasies

Name: The King of Schnorrers: Grotesques and Fantasies
Author: Israel Zangwill

By Israel Zangwill

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British Literature Humour Novels

About This Book

A collection of comic and occasionally poignant tales set in late-eighteenth-century Anglo-Jewish society that center on a charismatic professional schnorrer and a gallery of eccentric community figures. The pieces range from longer episodes to short grotesques and fantasies, using satire, irony, and warm observation to explore themes of charity, social rank, ritual, and human hypocrisy. Rich period detail, episodic plotting, and illustrative sketches combine to portray communal dynamics, personal vanity, and the economics of respectability with both humor and sympathy.

About the Author

Israel Zangwill

Israel Zangwill (1864-1926) was a British author and playwright known for his exploration of Jewish identity and culture in his works. He gained prominence with his novel "Children of the Ghetto: A Study of a Peculiar People," which delves into the lives of Jewish immigrants in London. Zangwill's writing often blends humor and social commentary, as seen in his collections "Ghetto Comedies" and "Ghetto Tragedies." He was also an advocate for Jewish rights and a prominent figure in the Zionist movement. His diverse body of work includes novels, plays, and essays, reflecting the complexities of Jewish life in the early 20th century.