The King of Schnorrers
Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18th-century London. Manasseh is far from being a humble panhandler for, as every schnorrer knows, supporting the poor is a commandment from God (a mitzvah) not just a favour. And as the descendant of Portuguese Jews who had lived in England for many generations, Manasseh is the social superior of those newly arrived from Eastern Europe (Tedesco)—even his wealthy ‘patron’ Joseph Grobstock. The book concludes as the ever-audacious Manasseh strikes a blow for tolerance and understanding—while helping himself along the way. (Summary by Adrian Praetzellis)
Alt-BC: Lucy Burgoyne
Genre(s): General Fiction, Humorous Fiction, *Non-fiction
Language: English
Section | Chapter | Reader | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Play 01 | Showing how the wicked philanthropist was turned into a fish-porter | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:40:00 |
Play 02 | Showing how the king reigned | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:38:46 |
Play 03 | Showing how his majesty went to the theatre and was wooed | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:47:07 |
Play 04 | Showing how the royal wedding was arranged | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:46:13 |
Play 05 | Showing how the king dissolved the Mahamad | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:43:47 |
Play 06 | Showing how the king enriched the synagogue | Adrian Praetzellis |
00:49:03 |