King of Schnorrers

Author(s)

• Israel Zangwill

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

1. Showing how the wicked philanthropist was turned into a fish-porter
2. Showing how the king reigned
3. Showing how his majesty went to the theatre and was wooed
4. Showing how the royal wedding was arranged
5. Showing how the king dissolved the Mahamad
6. Showing how the king enriched the synagogue