Subject: Jews in literature

This is an 1869 edition of Berthold Auerbach's novel, *Das Landhaus am Rhein* (A Country House on the Rhine). The novel is one of Auerbach's works focusing on the lives of common people, showcasing his characteristic blend of realism, graceful style, and humor. This edition was entered into the Library of Congress in 1868.

Pamphlet of Richard Cumberland's play, "The Jew, or, Benevolent Hebrew," printed by T. M'Donnel in Dublin in 1794. This comedy, first performed at the Drury Lane Theatre in London in May 1794, is notable for portraying a Jewish character as the hero, a departure from the typical negative portrayals of Jews in earlier dramatic works. The play enjoyed considerable success in Ireland and North America, where it was performed under the revised title "The Benevolent Hebrew." The pamphlet's description highlights the play's mirroring of Shakespeare's *The Merchant of Venice* but with a focus on the protagonist's charitable nature.

First edition of Richard Cumberland's play, *The Jew: A Comedy*, printed in London by C. Dilly in 1794. This play, performed at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane, presents a sympathetic portrayal of Sheva, a wealthy Jewish usurer, challenging conventional antisemitic stereotypes prevalent in English theatre. The play's success and positive reception, including praise in *The Analytical Review*, marked a shift in the representation of Jews on the English stage. This copy is described as having some minor soiling and toning but is otherwise in good condition.

This pamphlet contains the text of John O'Keeffe's farce, *The Little Hunch-Back; or, A Frolic in Bagdad*, as performed at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. Published in Dublin in 1790, this is the first Irish edition, following the London edition of 1789. The pamphlet includes a significant addition: a handwritten list of dramatis personae for a 1791 New York performance, possibly the play's American debut. The play features a Jewish character who is depicted as stingy and a storyline involving a Jewish/Christian marriage, making it noteworthy for its representation of Jewish characters in 18th-century theater. The text also mentions an edict that imposed the death penalty for a Jew killing a Muslim.

This 1862 book for young readers, published by Henry Hoyt in Boston, contains three stories: "The Lost Half Crown," "The Four Little Words," and "The Stolen Purse." "The Four Little Words" uses the example of a Jew using a tallit to emphasize the importance of keeping God's word close to one's heart. The book features an engraved frontispiece and other engravings. It is bound in green gilt-embossed boards, and measures approximately 5 3/4" to 6 3/4" tall. This is a first edition.

This 1845 volume contains a collection of works by Benjamin Disraeli, including *Vivian Grey*, *The Young Duke*, *Contarini Fleming*, *Alroy*, *The Rise of Iskander*, *Henrietta Temple*, and *Venetia*. Published by Carey and Hart, this edition compiles several of Disraeli's notable novels and offers a comprehensive overview of his early literary achievements. Alroy, in particular, is set in the Middle East and incorporates elements of 18th-century Jewish life.

This book, published by the American Sunday-School Union for Christian children in 1848, tells the story of Alfred Moritz Myers. The book is listed in the Rosenbach catalog (#638). It likely presents a narrative of Myers' life, framed within a Christian perspective suitable for a young audience.