Jewish London
An Illustrated History
Dr Gerry Black
Jewish History in London properly begins with the arrival of a small group of
Jews with William the Conqueror. Despite their expulsion in 1290, the
influence of Jews on the life of the capital has grown, especially after the
large-scale immigrations of the 19th and 20th century. The Jews have had
an extraordinary impact on the life of the city, and this book shows how it
happened.
Gerry Black recalls the origins and motives of the generations of Jews who
came to make their home in London. The development of the famously
close-knit societies they formed in the East End, in north London and elsewhere
in the capital is recorded, and illustrated, in graphic detail. He also
gives a fascinating account of their struggle to establish themselves in the
city -
their housing, their work and trades, schools, hospitals and synagogues.
His narrative gives a vivid portrait of outstanding individuals who made
notable contributions to the Jewish community and to the wider history of the
capital - businessmen, artists, lawyers, artisans. At the same time he
records momentous events that marked the course of Jewish history in the city,
from the expulsion of 1290 to the Jack the Ripper case and the Sydney Street
siege.
The story comes right up to the present day. Gerry Black looks
back at the further immigration that took place from Germany and Austria before
World War Two and from Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Iran and India after the war.
His lively account offers a sharp insight into the contribution made by modern
Jews to the culture and economy of London. His book will be essential
reading for everyone who is interested in the Jewish community and in the
cultural diversity of the capital.
DR GERRY BLACK has made a special study
of the Jews in London in particular. His previous publications includes Lord
Rothschild and The Barber: The Struggle to Establish the London Jewish Hospital
(2000), JFS: The History of the Jews' Free School, London Since 1732 (1998),
Living up West: Jewish Life in London's West End (1994), and Lender to
the Lords, Giver to the Poor (1992), a biography of the Victorian philanthropist
, Samuel Lewis. Dr Black is a past president of the Jewish Historical Society,
and a trustee of the Jewish Museum in London.
Price - Hardback £16.95
Breedon Books
ISBN 1 85983 363 2 |
