Noah, Mordecai Manuel. The Fortress of Sorrento: A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts.

AUCTION 69 | Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Holy Land Maps and Ceremonial Objects

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Lot 5
(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

Noah, Mordecai Manuel. The Fortress of Sorrento: A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts.

<<FIRST EDITION.>> pp. 28. Touch browned. Modern calf. 12mo. Singerman 185

New York: D. Longworth 1808

Est: $2,000 - $3,000
<<The first play written by a Jew in the United States of America. Noah’s first published work.>> Of Portuguese-Jewish descent, the multi-faceted Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) had deep roots in Revolutionary America. His father took an active part in the War of Independence, indeed, it has been suggested that George Washington was present at the wedding of Noah’s parents. Today, Noah is remembered for his utopian dream of establishing a Jewish colony, “Ararat,” on Grand Island, New York. At various times in his long, colorful career, Noah served as playwright, newspaper editor, and American Consul to Tunis. See JE, Vol. IX, pp. 323-4; EJ, Vol. XII cols. 1198-99.