Description
Book SynopsisAn erudite and accessible survey of Jewish life and culture in the twentieth century, as reflected in seminal texts.
Trade Review"A mesmerizing—and urgently contemporary—reflection on how literary giants in Europe, America, and Israel wrestled with the twentieth century’s triumphs and tragedies. As poet and as exegete, Kirsch gives us literary criticism at its most vital and most supple." -- Benjamin Balint, author of Kafka’s Last Trial
"Adam Kirsch, one of our finest critics, has written a wonderful introduction to the rich and brilliant field of twentieth-century Jewish literature, illuminating for us the work of some of its greatest contributors." -- Nicole Krauss, author of Forest Dark
"
The Blessing and the Curse—tell me about it! If it’s hard enough to be a Jew, and even harder to be a Jewish writer, can you imagine being a Jewish writer about Jewish writing? Adam Kirsch has been called to that task, and here in his new survey he shows himself its master. Kirsch wears the silver crown and wields the golden word processor of the tradition." -- Joshua Cohen, author of Attention: Dispatches from a Land of Distraction
