ePub The Rest of Us: The Rise of America’s Eastern European Jews (Modern Jewish History) by Stephen Birmingham in History

Review

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful. A Brilliant Book as masterfully written as researched.By agacevThe Rest of Us is the wonderful finale to Stephen Birmingham's impressive triptych of the histories of American Jewry.This three part work doesn't simply account for the overlooked facets of the American Jewish experience (or American history) but takes us back to homeland(s) in the Old World from time to time and connects many dots that create a captivating picture of people and places.It is also a brilliant piece of writing where the personal and the private waltz with the public to provide a comprehensive tableaux that was previously unavailable.Even though I am a great fan of "the Grandees" and "Our Crowd"; "The Rest of Us" is very special to me as my family hails from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.A wonderful read overall; and not only for researchers or Jews.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Should Have Been Titled "Some of Them"By Jeffrey WaitzmanA book about a limited number of highly successful members of a huge tsunami of Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States from the mid-1800's until the early 1900's who preserved and continued a rich culture destroyed by World War 2. However; this book missed the opportunity to document the success and metamorphosis of this unique American sub culture on the nature of every aspect of the rich American culture at large.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Rags to riches: from eastern european progroms and misery to the good (american) life; all within one generation.By Alexander BlaserFascinating stories of a small number of the more than one million eastern european (mostly polish and russian) jews who arrived in New York at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Incredibly gifted people who; within a very short time; became famous and rich; in the movies; radio; TV; entertainment and fashion industries. Even in crime!. Surprisingly; one of the people the reader inevitably gets to like most; is mobster Meyer Lansky; who had a personality much more attractive and alluring than movie greats like Samuel Goldwyn or Lous B. Meyer or the cosmetics lady Helena Rubinstein! Common in all of them: They were were (mostly street-)smart and hungry: Hungry for recognition; hungry for respect; hungry for luxury; riches; the good life. And in a hurry. Most passed through Ellis Island; and from there to the Lower East Side of New York; the eastern europeain jewish ghetto; and not a very good address at that time; and all did their best to get out of there as soon as possible; and very successfully so.Excellently well written; a fascinating read.