Subject: American drama

A full-page black and white antisemitic cartoon from December 9, 1897, depicting the "Hebraization of the American Drama." The cartoon suggests that Jewish people have a significant influence on American theater. The image is from a newspaper. Further details can be found by looking at almost any New York theater.

First edition of *Ben Israel; or, From Under the Curse: A Jewish Play in Five Acts*, by Edward Tullidge. This is the first known play written by a Gentile in America and dedicated to American Jews. Published in 1875.

Lithographic broadside advertising the play *The Wife* at the Lyceum Theatre in New York, New York. The broadside likely dates from circa 1885, based on Daniel Frohman's management of the Lyceum Theatre.

Cabinet photograph depicting a scene from David Belasco's play *May Blossom* at the Madison Square Theatre in New York, New York, on January 13, 1908. The photograph, possibly a publicity piece, is mounted on board. It is noted for being one of the first plays to command $5.00 tickets.

A pamphlet titled "Deborah; or, The Jewish Maiden's Wrong!" authored by Charles Smith Cheltham and published by Samuel French & Son at 38 East 14th Street. The pamphlet's publication date is circa 1864.

Die-cut print depicting Adah Isaacs Menken bound to the back of a running horse. A famous scene unique to Menken. Circa 1885.

This book contains a Purim play in five acts, written by Mrs. Annie J. Moses of Sheffield, Alabama, and published in Cincinnati in 1887. The play, "Esther," is a dramatic adaptation of the biblical Book of Esther, suitable for performance during the Purim festival. The play's publication reflects the theatrical and literary activities within the Jewish community of the American South during the late 19th century. The original wrappers are present, and the book is 27 pages long, plus one additional page.

This book contains the text of *Hadad: A Dramatic Poem*, a play written by James Abraham Hillhouse. The play is based on the court of King David and is considered possibly the first American play published with a Jewish theme. Published circa 1825.

This is a first edition copy of Gotthard Deutsch's play, *Israel Bruna*, published by R.G. Badger in Boston in 1908. The play is a five-act tragedy based on the life of a 15th-century Jew, Israel Bruna ben Hayyim, from Brunn (Brno), Czech Republic. This particular copy is notable for its provenance: it was inscribed by the author to Kaufman Kohler in September 1908, and later owned by Solomon B. Freehof. The bookplate of Leonard Levy is also present.

Broadside playbill advertising the final performance of Mordecai Noah's play, "She Would Be a Soldier, or the Plains of Chippewa," at the Park Theatre in New York City on February 11, 1820. The playbill features headlines commemorating the anniversary of George Washington's birth and includes a full-length portrait of Washington. This is the only known copy of this playbill, advertising Noah's first original play.

Playbill for the performance of "Yusef Caramalli, or the Siege of Tripoli," a play written by Mordecai Manuel Noah, at the Park Theatre in New York City on January 20, 1822. The broadside provides a detailed description of each act, including stage scenery. This is considered the only known surviving copy of this playbill.

This 27-page melo-drama, *The Evil Eye*, was written by Jonas Phillips and published in New York by E.B. Clayton in 1831. The book measures 5 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches and is bound in paper boards. Notably, this particular copy is signed by Edgar Allan Poe on the dedication page, making it a significant item for collectors of Poe's memorabilia.

Pamphlet containing the first play published by Mordecai Manuel Noah, though it was never produced. Published in New York City in 1808. This is considered Noah's first published work and the first play written by a Jew in the United States. Approximately 12 copies are known to exist. Exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York's Jewish History Exhibit from May to December 2005. Information from Kestenbaum 6/23/2016 Auction and Singerman 148.

This is a first edition, presentation copy of *The Italian Bride*, a play in five acts written by Samuel Yates Levy for the actress Eliza Logan. Published by John M. Cooper & Co. in Savannah in 1856, this uncommon work was published for private distribution. The copy is inscribed by the author to Alfred J. J. Blois. Samuel Yates Levy (1827-1888) was a Jewish author who later served as a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. Eliza Logan (daughter of Cornelius Logan, a comic actor and playwright) was a popular actress in the antebellum South.

This pamphlet contains the text of the one-act play "Yankee Peddler; or, Old Times in Virginia," written by Morris Barnett. Published in 1853, this edition is rare, with only two copies listed in OCLC. The play offers a glimpse into 19th-century American life and possibly explores themes of the antebellum South.