Louis Brandeis Slept Here: A Slightly Cynical History of American Jews [Paperback]

David Gleicher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997

A tongue-in-cheek history of Jews in America which is alternatively cynical, humorous, irreverent and serious. A popularly-written history from 1654 to the present, the book takes us from Colonial America to intermarriage in present times. It covers such controversial issues as Jews and Blacks, American Jews and Israel, and Jews and politics, with each point being analyzed through the eyes of history and a strong dose of irreverence. "Professor Graetz meets Jackie Mason in this easy-reading American Jewish history with plenty of facts, insights, chutzpah and shtick." Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Gleicher, a lawyer and part-time historian living near Chicago, takes the reader on a sometimes serious, sometimes comical romp through the American Jewish experience. In topical chapters arranged in roughly chronological order, Gleicher describes the major events and personalities that shaped American Jewish history, and he ends with a provocative analysis of future challenges facing American Jews. Although some readers will not agree with all his assessments and conclusions, Gleicher is usually fair. For example, although he himself is Orthodox, he admires Isaac Mayer Wise and is hopeful for the future of Reform Judaism. Primarily directed at Jewish lay readers, his book will still be of interest to non-Jewish readers?though they may not get all his jokes. Enjoyable reading; recommended for a wide audience.?Frederic Krome, Northern Kentucky Univ., Highland Hts.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

An often wise and always wisecracking popular review of American Jewish history. This highly subjective and discursive history is everywhere personal and opinionated. Gleicher--an observant Jew, Chicago lawyer, and son of Holocaust survivors--sees Reform Judaism as a doomed, assimilationist aberration; gives lawyers from Brandeis to Dershowitz extra attention; vilifies past American Jewish leaders for not doing enough during the Holocaust; and credits Holocaust survivors with rescuing traditional Judaism. The outline of American Jewish history is thorough if terse, and often straightforward and serious. But Gleicher can't resist gags, even adding humorous footnotes to some passages. One such note ``exposes'' Marranos for giving a pledge during a church appeal, and another suggests that synagogue sisterhoods could sell tickets to brawls between rabbis and their congregants and turn the fights into huge fundraisers. There are many delicious ironies and hypocrisies noted here, and Gleicher's eye for anti-Semitism--on the part of Jews as well as gentiles--adds much that is missing in more serious histories of American Jewry. But other all-too-candid remarks about black-Jewish and Jewish-gentile relations might better have been left out. The chauvinism is leavened by the use of humor and first-person pronouns; but it is still sufficiently apparent to limit Gleicher's potential audience to right-wing traditional Jews like himself. Introducing his bibliography, Gleicher closes with a final crack: ``This book is a survey, not a detailed text. Therefore it is my responsibility to direct you to further readings . . . from where I derived all my facts, figures, and biased opinions.'' Professor Graetz meets Jackie Mason in this easy-reading American Jewish history with plenty of facts, insights, chutzpah, and shtick. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Gefen Books (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9652291676
• ISBN-13: 978-9652291677
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,488,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A young adult's perspective, February 19, 2001

By 

B D (Skokie, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Louis Brandeis Slept Here: A Slightly Cynical History of American Jews (Paperback)

As a hebrew school student, I felt that Gleicher's informative and humorous portrayal of American Jewry enabled me to indulge in the history of my coveted religion with rabid enjoyment and intensity. His unorthodox writing style should be marveled by all, and appreciated by both curious readers and avid historians alike. An absolute masterpiece.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes the topic interesting for people who hate history, November 12, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Louis Brandeis Slept Here: A Slightly Cynical History of American Jews (Paperback)

American Jewish history is not one of my favorite topics. In school, I slept through most of it. Mr. Gleicher takes this topic and interjects his own brand of humor and commentary which makes for a surprisingly enjoyable read. Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Concise, Informative and Entertaining, January 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Louis Brandeis Slept Here: A Slightly Cynical History of American Jews (Paperback)

A well written book touching on the highlights of American Jewish history. The authors anicdotal style lends itself well to the lay reader wishing to receive an overview. Of greater value, however, is this book's ability to serve as a review for those having read a more indepth and intensive history of American Jews. I highly recommend this book for those wishing a lighter approach and urge those having read more intensely to enjoy this book as an enjoyable review.