Jews in America: A Picture Album - Hardcover

Gr 5 Up Not really a new title, but a re-working of Meltzer's earlier book Remember the Days (Doubleday, 1974; o.p.) in a larger format, and with the addition of numerous photographs. Still, despite the format, this is less of an album than the title would indicate, and with a great deal of history compressed between the pictures. As in Remember the Days, Meltzer carefully chronicles the history of Jews in America from the first settlers in New Amsterdam in 1654 to the present day. The chapters deal with the earliest Jewish arrivals, and the successive waves of immigrants from Europe are of particular interest. The pictures are wonderful, especially those taken of the intrepid Jewish pioneers in Nebraska, North Dakota, and California in the 19th Century. The book closes with a thoughtful discussion of Zionism, Israel, and Jewish identity. To do justice to the Jewish experience in America requires more than one relatively slim volume. Still, Meltzer does a creditable job, helped immeasurably by the excellent photographs and his own customary skillful writing. A fine addition to any library. Ruth Levien, Rockville Centre Public Library, N.Y.

Copyright 1986 Cahners Business Information, Inc.