Meier Ezosowicz-Erzählung aus dem Leben der Juden – A story of Jewish life. By the Polish writer Eliza Orzeszkowa. Leipzig 1885 – first German edition.
Historical novel by Polish author Eliza Orzeszkowa, originally published in Polish in 1883. The novel tells the story of Meier Ezosowicz, a 19th century Jewish merchant in Poland who struggles against discrimination and oppression faced by Jews in Vilnius, Lithuania. Ezosowicz is a respected yet successful trader, though barred from civic office due to his faith, forced to live in a separate quarter of town. He’s a devout Jew but progressive thinker, believing Jews should participate fully in society. A strong advocate for social justice, he fights for all people’s rights regardless of religion or ethnicity.
One of the early works raising public awareness of Jewish suffering and oppression in their Diaspora lands during the 1800s. Accompanied by dozens of full-page illustrations of the heroes of the story – Eastern European Jews in traditional dress.
266 p., 28 cm. Original cover with gilt embossing and image of Ezosowicz. Light stains. Good condition.