While the European culture that gave rise to Yiddish literature is fast fading into history, the novels, poetry and essays that are written in Yiddish allow us a glimpse into this bygone world. While the language has created a barrier for many modern readers, wonderful English translations are available. This is a list of my favorite translated works.
1
Written by the less famous brother of I.B. Singer, this is an old fashion family saga that can transport the reader to Pre-WWII Poland
2
One of the classics of Yiddish literature, this is that odd mixture of the modernist and traditional. A family saga comparable to the great European family sagas.
3
If you only know the name of one Yiddish language writer, it's probably Sholem Aleichem. These stories are the best introduction to his work. The first story, Tevye, the dairyman was turned into the play Fiddler on the Roof.
4
This is a great introduction to this early master of modern Yiddish prose. This book offers a wide selection of his work along with a wonderful introduction by Ruth Wisse.
5
Along with Sholem Aleichem and I. L. Peretz, Mendele is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern Yiddish literature. Mendele's stories offer an intimate picture of shtetle life in the Pale of Settlement.
1
Written by the less famous brother of I.B. Singer, this is an old fashion family saga that can transport the reader to Pre-WWII Poland
2
One of the classics of Yiddish literature, this is that odd mixture of the modernist and traditional. A family saga comparable to the great European family sagas.
3
If you only know the name of one Yiddish language writer, it's probably Sholem Aleichem. These stories are the best introduction to his work. The first story, Tevye, the dairyman was turned into the play Fiddler on the Roof.
4
This is a great introduction to this early master of modern Yiddish prose. This book offers a wide selection of his work along with a wonderful introduction by Ruth Wisse.
5
Along with Sholem Aleichem and I. L. Peretz, Mendele is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern Yiddish literature. Mendele's stories offer an intimate picture of shtetle life in the Pale of Settlement.
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