American Talmud

The Cultural Work of Jewish American Fiction

By Ezra Cappell | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

In American Talmud, Ezra Cappell redefines the genre of Jewish American fiction and places it squarely within the larger context of American literature. Cappell departs from the conventional approach of defining Jewish American authors solely in terms of their ethnic origins and sociological constructs, and instead contextualizes their fiction within the theological heritage of Jewish culture. By deliberately emphasizing historical and ethnographic links to religions, religious texts, and traditions, Cappell demonstrates that twentieth-century and contemporary Jewish American fiction writers have been codifying a new Talmud, an American Talmud, and argues that the literary production of Jews in America might be seen as one more stage of rabbinic commentary on the scriptural inheritance of the Jewish people.

Editions of American Talmud

Hardcover
ISBN 9780791471234
Paperback
ISBN 9780791471241
PDF
ISBN 9780791479957

Read an Excerpt

In American Talmud, Ezra Cappell redefines the genre of Jewish American fiction and places it squarely within the larger context of American literature. Cappell departs from the conventional approach of defining Jewish American authors solely in terms of their ethnic origins and sociological constructs, and instead contextualizes their fiction within the theological heritage of Jewish culture. By deliberately emphasizing historical and ethnographic links to religions, religious texts, and traditions, Cappell demonstrates that twentieth-century and contemporary Jewish American fiction writers have been codifying a new Talmud, an American Talmud, and argues that the literary production of Jews in America might be seen as one more stage of rabbinic commentary on the scriptural inheritance of the Jewish people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Talmud about?

In American Talmud, Ezra Cappell redefines the genre of Jewish American fiction and places it squarely within the larger context of American literature. Cappell departs from the conventional approach of defining Jewish American authors solely in terms of their ethnic origins and sociological constructs, and instead contextualizes their fiction within the theological heritage of Jewish culture. By deliberately emphasizing historical and ethnographic links to religions, religious texts, and traditions, Cappell demonstrates that twentieth-century and contemporary Jewish American fiction writers have been codifying a new Talmud, an American Talmud, and argues that the literary production of Jews in America might be seen as one more stage of rabbinic commentary on the scriptural inheritance of the Jewish people.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Talmud?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Judaism

Where can I read a sample of American Talmud?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791471234

How long is American Talmud and how many pages does it have?

American Talmud has 244 page(s)

Is American Talmud part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Modern Jewish Literature and Culture

Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Talmud?

Ezra Cappell

Who is the Publisher of the book American Talmud?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

American Talmud is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791471234) and paperback(ISBN 9780791471241) and pdf(ISBN 9780791479957)

Where can I buy American Talmud online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy American Talmud from below

Where can I buy American Talmud?