The King of Schnorrers

Israel Zangwill (1864 - 1926)

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