Description
Book SynopsisExamining play texts, theatrical reviews, political discourse, and public performances of Jewish rights and rituals,
Hideous Characters and Beautiful Pagans argues that Jewish stage types shed light on our understanding of the status of Jewish Americans during a critical historical period.
Trade ReviewA formidable study, based upon a prodigious amount of research, for which the author is to be heartily commended. The breadth of archival coverage and the wide array of primary sources she has identified and consulted is exemplary."" - Eli Faber, John Jay College
""A seminal study that will influence our continuing efforts to understand the 19th century American theatre. Nathans has pulled together various strands of Jewish history—religious, secular, theatrical—to weave a convincing pattern about the way Jewish plays and characters changed as the culture changed. This book has set a high bar for research in 19th century American theatre."" - Tice Miller, University of Nebraska
