Throughout much of European history; Jews have been strongly associated with commerce and the money trade; rendered both visible and vulnerable; like Shakespeare's Shylock; by their economic distinctiveness. Shylock's Children tells the story of Jewish perceptions of this economic difference and its effects on modern Jewish identity. Derek Penslar explains how Jews in modern Europe developed the notion of a distinct "Jewish economic man;" an image that grew ever more complex and nuanced between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries.
#2220574 in Books 1998-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.57 x 6.39 x 9.30l; #File Name: 0520211898465 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Top read on Los Angeles HistoryBy SpikeGreat book. I had bought my 1st copy several years back. This 2nd was to be a gift. The book explains the phenomina of Central Avenue. Early Los Angeles was very segragated. Land was parceled off with conditions that if you sold your property there were clauses as to who you could sell to.Pockets of areas were set aside for Blacks; and so the neighborhoods filled with solid ethnic bulk . Yes you were in a different world. the community pride was evident. Traveling Musicians weren't able to stay at just any hotel when they arrived in LA. the Hotel Dunbar was a shinning jewel to many big name; well know black artists. Central avenue was a cultural area for a growing style of Music. There were 2 musicians unions in LA. One for whites one for blacks. the White unions got the creme of the crop jobs while the Black unions were less fortunate in locations available or Venues to play. The Black unions wanted to merge with the White union to get the better jobs. Many in the White Unions realised the talent pool that would be gained but there was still a long row to hoe before the merge would happen. Eventually the merge did take place in 1953. the Black artists were able to move more freely but at a cost. Unfortunally that cost was the dilution of their community. I don't think you have to know any thing about jazz to get into this book. It's more the History of LA Music. Very interesting glad I have a copy in my Library. I just finished it for a Second time.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. THE TESTIMONY OF EYEWITNESSESBy Steve WyzardAs a lifelong Los Angeles-area resident; I was amazed when I read these stories of the Central Avenue jazz scene of the 1920s through 1950s. There is literally nothing left today; and if it weren't for books like this; an entire vibrant chapter of Los Angeles history (to say nothing of jazz history) would be mostly forgotten. Published in 1998; Central Avenue Sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles is a project of the UCLA Oral History Program. Nineteen musicians who lived through the times and worked/played on Central Avenue are given a chance to share their stories for posterity. This book was compiled just in time; as a number of those who were interviewed died before publication; and most (if not all) are no longer with us today.Cynics will no doubt dismiss these efforts as the ramblings of senior citizens; dropping names and repeating the same stories over and over with embellishments. Others will disparage this book as merely a local history project; with Los Angeles not being considered as crucial to jazz as New York; Chicago; New Orleans; St.Louis; Kansas City; et al. Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy are perhaps the two most famous jazz musicians to start out in Los Angeles before arising to national prominence; and those who remember them tell their stories within. Everybody who was anybody in jazz played on Central Avenue when passing through town; and the memories elicited are almost always positive; in spite of the inevitable struggles and setbacks that had to be endured in those days. Regardless of the reader's background; the down-to-earth; simple humanity of each musician; with all the attendant aspirations and regrets; is readily apparent in each chapter. Even when there are widely-diverging viewpoints; a very clear; yet fascinating picture of long-ago life in Los Angeles is painted. The editors have stayed far out of the way; and allow each subject to tell their story in their own words.Everybody shares opinions in answer to the question; "Whatever happened to the Central Avenue jazz scene?" There is probably no one correct answer; but a combination of many (all recounted within) would be closer to the truth. Even today; in a city as large as Los Angeles; jazz has dwindled so far from the spotlight of public interest that there is no one major jazz concert hall that everybody performs at. There are annual festivals; a few small clubs and college venues; but that's it. The cityscape has truly changed over the years; both for better and for worse; so we can be thankful we have Central Avenue Sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles to remember the performers and places that have passed on. For those who don't want Los Angeles history (especially Los Angeles jazz history) to disappear like sandcastles on the beach; this book is definitely recommended.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Jazz Lovers should Read ThisBy David May; WHFC-FMCentral Avenue Sounds is one the most informative and interesting books on jazz; providing the reader with a 'you are there' experience of the Los Angeles music scene. I found the interviews with the surviving musicians to be outstanding. My only regret is that many of the Central Avenue and Watts musicians are no longer with us to add their perspective of the West Coast origins of jazz.
