Legends of the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng - Hardcover

Xu Xin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881255289 ISBN 13: 9780881255287

Publisher: Ktav Pub & Distributors Inc, 1995

Synopsis

A collection of legends and stories from the oral tradition of this group of Jews who migrated to China long ago offers a look at their history and unique identity.

About this title

About the Author:

Beverly Friend, Ph.D., is a Professor of English at Oakton Community College.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 6 Up-The anti-Semitic fervor of 11th-century Crusaders drove a community of Jews from their home on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in what is now Turkey. They eventually settled in Kaifeng, then the capital of China under the Song Dynasty. There they built a synagogue in 1163, and maintained their cultural and religious identity into the 19th century. By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Kaifeng Jews reached a population peak of 5000. Using oral histories collected in China, the authors distill 900 years of memory into 20 chronological stories about major events in the life of the community. Unfortunately, they are better historians than storytellers. Invented dialogue is transparently written to convey factual information, not to delineate character. The narration is clear but dry, lacking the drama and specific details needed to bring a story to life. Handsome full-color illustrations embellish each chapter. Libraries with extensive collections in Jewish or Chinese history will want this title, but the writing style isn't compelling enough to interest general readers in this fascinating, but obscure, footnote to history.-Margaret A. Chang, North Adams State College, MA

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ktav Pub & Distributors Inc
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0881255289
• ISBN 13: 9780881255287
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 140
• Illustrator: Ting Cheng