JUDAH, SAMUEL. Gotham and the Gothamites, a Medley [satire directed against more than a hundred prominent citizens of New York]

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

S. King

New York

1823

FIRST EDITION. Bookplate of George R. Dyer on front pastedown.

Rosenbach 242; Singerman 0372

Born in New York City in 1799, to a prominent Sephardi mercantile family, Samuel Judah was one of the first Jews to contribute to American literature, however his career as a dramatist came to an end with Gotham and the Gothamites. The satirical sketches therein resulted in his being sued for defamation, and he was subsequently imprisoned. Due to poor health Judah was eventually pardoned and upon release took up the law, rising to the position of Counsel to the Supreme Court. See EJ X, col. 335-6.