Šmuel Josef Agnon Bücher

A man returns to the war-ruined city of his childhood and makes a vain attempt to assemble a congregation for a service in the synagogue.

Revised and annotated translations from the Hebrew"--Cover.

English (translation)Original Hebrew

Tells a seemingly simple tale about a man who immigrates to Palestine with the Second Aliya -- the several hundred idealists who returned between 1904 and 1914 to work the Hebrew soil as in Biblical times and revive Hebrew culture. Only Yesterday quickly became recognized as a monumental work of world literature, but not only for its vivid historical reckon of Israel's founding society. This epic novel also engages the reader in a fascinating network of meanings, contradictions, and paradoxes all leading to the question, what, if anything, controls human existence?

"The Bridal Canopy" by S.Y. Agnon is a mock epic that intertwines numerous Hassidic tales set in early 19th-century Galicia. It follows Reb Yudel, his wife Frummet, and their three daughters seeking suitors. The narrative blends classic folk tale simplicity with modern sophistication, offering subtle, multifaceted interpretations of shtetl life.

S.Y. Agnon, a Nobel Laureate and a central figure in modern Hebrew literature, presents a collection of stories that captures the essence of Eastern European Jewry and the evolution of modern Israel. This expanded edition offers English-speaking readers a chance to explore Agnon's rich and complex fictional landscape, showcasing his unique narrative style and deep cultural insights. The collection includes additional classics, providing a comprehensive view of Agnon's literary contributions. A new preface by Jonathan Rosen enhances the reader's experience.

Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Berlin, the story follows a young Galician Jewish writer who, after living in Palestine, finds himself navigating a city rife with housing shortages. While it presents a comical narrative of his struggles, the novel delves into deeper themes of exile, Zionism, and divine providence, reflecting the complexities of human nature. This last work by Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon is not only entertaining but also serves as a profound exploration of his enduring concerns, making it a fitting conclusion to his literary legacy.