Contemporary Jewish-American Novelists: A Bio-Critical Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Since World War II, Jewish-American novelists have significantly contributed to the world of literature. This reference book includes alphabetically arranged entries for more than 75 Jewish-American novelists whose major works were largely written after World War II. Included are entries for both well-known and relatively obscure novelists, many of whom are just becoming established as significant literary figures. While the volume profiles major canonical figures such as Saul Bellow, Norman Mailer, and Bernard Malamud, it also aims to be more inclusive than other works on contemporary Jewish-American writers. Thus there are entries for gay and lesbian novelists such as Lev Raphael and Judith Katz, whose works challenge the more orthodox definition of Jewish religious and cultural traditions; Art Speigelman, whose controversial ^IMaus^R established a new genre by combining elements of the comic book and the conventional novel; and newcomers such as Steve Stern and Max Apple, who have become more prominent within the last decade. Each entry includes a brief biography, a discussion of major works and themes, an overview of the novelist's critical reception, and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources. A thoughtful introduction summarizes Jewish-American fiction after World War II, and a selected, general bibliography lists additional sources of information. Since World War II, Jewish-American novelists have made numerous significant contributions to contemporary literature. Authors of earlier generations would frequently write about the troubles and successes of Jewish immigrants to America, and their works would reflect the world of European Jewish culture. But like other immigrant groups, Jewish-Americans have become increasingly assimilated into mainstream American culture. Many feel the loss of their heritage and long for something to replace the lost values of the old world. This reference book includes alphabetically arranged entries for more than 75 Jewish-American novelists whose major works were largely written after World War II. Included are entries for both well-known and relatively obscure novelists, many of whom are just becoming established as significant literary figures. While the volume profiles major canonical figures such as Saul Bellow, Norman Mailer, and Bernard Malamud, it also aims to be more inclusive than other works on contemporary Jewish-American writers. Thus there are entries for gay and lesbian novelists such as Lev Raphael and Judith Katz, whose works challenge the more orthodox definitions of Jewish religious and cultural traditions; Art Speigelman, whose controversial ^IMaus^R established a new genre by combining elements of the comic book and the conventional novel; and newcomers such as Steve Stern and Max Apple, who have become more prominent within the last decade. Each entry includes a brief biography, a discussion of major works and themes, an overview of the novelist's critical reception, and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources. A thoughtful introduction summarizes Jewish-American fiction after World War II, and a selected, general bibliography lists additional sources for information.

Reviews

[T]he volume succeeds in its major goal--to provide a valuable reference of the broadest selection of Jewish novelists yet published.-Studies in American Jewish Literature
Each entry includes a biographical section, a cogent discussion of major works and themes, an overview of each novelist's critical reception, and a bibliography of both primary and secondary sources....Across the articles, the style is remarkably consistent--easy to read, informative, and interesting....Recommmended for academic and public libraries, especially where Jewish studies is a collection-development priority.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
Other than almost obsessively asking itself the question of ethnic identity, what, if anything, makes Jewish-American writing uniquely Jewish Joel Shatzky and Michael Taub's stimulating sourcebook suggests an answer in the case of sixty-three contemporary writers, from Walter Abish to Herman Wouk.-Association for Jewish Studies
Saul Bellow, Phillip Roth, and Bernard Malamud are but a few of the galaxy of Jewish American novelists who have heralded a virtual renaissance of American Jewish fiction during the post-WW II era. This excellent sourcebook on fiction by Jewish American authors on Jewish themes, or involving Jewish interests and concerns, not only brings to light eminent authors but also those of secondary and even tertiary interest.... Highly recommended for all libraries, high school and up.-Choice
"The volume succeeds in its major goal--to provide a valuable reference of the broadest selection of Jewish novelists yet published."-Studies in American Jewish Literature
"[T]he volume succeeds in its major goal--to provide a valuable reference of the broadest selection of Jewish novelists yet published."-Studies in American Jewish Literature
"Each entry includes a biographical section, a cogent discussion of major works and themes, an overview of each novelist's critical reception, and a bibliography of both primary and secondary sources....Across the articles, the style is remarkably consistent--easy to read, informative, and interesting....Recommmended for academic and public libraries, especially where Jewish studies is a collection-development priority."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"Other than almost obsessively asking itself the question of ethnic identity, what, if anything, makes Jewish-American writing uniquely Jewish Joel Shatzky and Michael Taub's stimulating sourcebook suggests an answer in the case of sixty-three contemporary writers, from Walter Abish to Herman Wouk."-Association for Jewish Studies
"Saul Bellow, Phillip Roth, and Bernard Malamud are but a few of the galaxy of Jewish American novelists who have heralded a virtual renaissance of American Jewish fiction during the post-WW II era. This excellent sourcebook on fiction by Jewish American authors on Jewish themes, or involving Jewish interests and concerns, not only brings to light eminent authors but also those of secondary and even tertiary interest.... Highly recommended for all libraries, high school and up."-Choice

Author Bio

JOEL SHATZKY is Professor of English at the State University of New York College at Cortland, where he has taught since 1968. His many articles have appeared in journals such as Jewish Currents, Studies in American Jewish Literature, Jewish Frontier, and Tennessee Williams Literary Journal. He is also a playwright, and his works have been produced in London, New York City, and San Francisco. MICHAEL TAUB is Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Vassar College. His articles have appeared in journals such as Romanian Bulletin, Yiddish, and Jewish Spectator.