The Life of Gluckel of Hameln: Written by Herself [Hardcover]

Beth-Zion Abrahams (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2010

Gluumlckel of Hameln’s memoir is widely viewed as one of the earliest major works written by a Jewish woman and has become a classic. Gluumlckel’s aim, she writes at the beginning of her memoir, was to while away the long and melancholy nights that tormented her after her husband’s death, and to inform her 12 children about their family and its history. But her book is not just an account of her life; it is also a fascinating depiction of 17th century Germany and its Jewish community. The Life of Gluumlckel of Hameln is the only English translation of Gluumlckel’s story from the original Yiddish and is widely considered the most accurate and complete translation available. It was out of print for many years until this JPS edition. The volume also includes an introduction by Beth-Zion Abrahams that fills in the background of Gluumlckel’s life and tells how she came to write her memoir. With this reissue, JPS invites a wide audience to read this important record of Jewish, European, and women’s history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Life of Gluumlckel of Hameln is an important historical document, not only in regard to Jewish communal life, but also due to the various world events that she chronicled, including information about Sabbatai Zevi as well as political conflicts and wars that occurred during her life."—Jewish Eye

(Jewish Eye )

"The work in its totality makes clear yet again just how much has been lost to Jewish history and literature by having for so long denied women their chance to speak. Those who care about such things owe a debt of gratitude to Philadelphia’s Jewish Publication Society for returning Gluumlckel’s life to print and, with any luck, to a whole new generation of readers."—Jewish Exponent

(Jewish Exponent )

From the Publisher

A fascinating memoir of one of Judaism's earliest female writers

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (February 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827609140
• ISBN-13: 978-0827609143
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,113,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)