S. Ansky
S. Ansky, pseudonym of Shloyme-Zanvl Rappoport, was a Russian Jewish author, playwright, and folklorist best known for his play 'The Dybbuk.' Born on January 27, 1863, in Belarus, then part of the Russian Empire, Ansky was a significant figure in the Jewish cultural renaissance of the early 20th century. His work often explored themes of Jewish history, folklore, and mysticism. 'The Dybbuk' is his most famous work, which tells the story of a young bride possessed by a dybbuk—a malicious possessing spirit from Jewish folklore. Ansky passed away on November 8, 1920.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Dybbuk
The book is a seminal work in Yiddish literature and folklore, centering around the concept of a dybbuk—a malicious possessing spirit from Jewish mythology. The narrative follows the tragic tale of a young bride in a Polish shtetl who becomes possessed by the restless spirit of her dead lover, who had been wronged by his own father and her father's broken pledge. The possession leads to a dramatic exorcism and a series of events that explore themes of love, betrayal, and the clash between the mystical and the rational, as well as the boundaries of life and death. The story delves into the rich tapestry of Jewish mysticism, community, and tradition, reflecting the cultural and religious tensions of Eastern European Jews before the First World War.
The 4458th Greatest Book of All Time
