"In this tightly argued and sophisticated monograph, Koltun-Fromm (Haverford College) seeks to locate and explore the experiences of American Jews with physical objects and things as diverse as journals and urban streets. In his view, thought, particularly reflection on identity, can be profitably examined and experienced within the context of the objects and other material phenomena individuals encounter. The individuals Koltun-Fromm selects generally are well known; among them are Edward Bernays, Eric Fromm, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mordecai Kaplan, Bernard Malamud, Cynthia Ozick, and Joseph Soloveitchik. Their varied personal experiences and professional accomplishments (the volume's six chapters are titled 'The Material Self,' 'The Material Past,' 'Material Place,' 'Material Presence,' 'The Material Narrative,' and 'The Material Gaze') document the richness and multidimensional character of what the author terms material Jewish identity. A perceptive concluding section, titled 'American or Jewish Material Identity?' considers the degree to which this material Jewish identity can be identified as specifically Jewish or American. . . All libraries supporting such patrons should seriously consider its purchase. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty. Choice"
L. J. Greenspoon
In this tightly argued and sophisticated monograph, Koltun-Fromm (Haverford College) seeks to locate and explore the experiences of American Jews with physical objects and things as diverse as journals and urban streets. In his view, thought, particularly reflection on identity, can be profitably examined and experienced within the context of the objects and other material phenomena individuals encounter. The individuals Koltun-Fromm selects generally are well known; among them are Edward Bernays, Eric Fromm, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mordecai Kaplan, Bernard Malamud, Cynthia Ozick, and Joseph Soloveitchik. Their varied personal experiences and professional accomplishments (the volume's six chapters are titled 'The Material Self,' 'The Material Past,' 'Material Place,' 'Material Presence,' 'The Material Narrative,' and 'The Material Gaze') document the richness and multidimensional character of what the author terms material Jewish identity. A perceptive concluding section, titled 'American or Jewish Material Identity?' considers the degree to which this material Jewish identity can be identified as specifically Jewish or American. . . All libraries supporting such patrons should seriously consider its purchase. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty. —Choice
Zachary Braiterman
The most profound and uniquely conceived study of modern Jewish thought to appear in a long, long time. . . . The reader learns that Judaism cannot be thought apart from space and the things that both constitute and mark it.
Zachary Braiterman]]>
The most profound and uniquely conceived study of modern Jewish thought to appear in a long, long time. . . . The reader learns that Judaism cannot be thought apart from space and the things that both constitute and mark it.
L. J. Greenspoon]]>
In this tightly argued and sophisticated monograph, Koltun-Fromm (Haverford College) seeks to locate and explore the experiences of American Jews with physical objects and things as diverse as journals and urban streets. In his view, thought, particularly reflection on identity, can be profitably examined and experienced within the context of the objects and other material phenomena individuals encounter. The individuals Koltun-Fromm selects generally are well known; among them are Edward Bernays, Eric Fromm, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mordecai Kaplan, Bernard Malamud, Cynthia Ozick, and Joseph Soloveitchik. Their varied personal experiences and professional accomplishments (the volume's six chapters are titled 'The Material Self,' 'The Material Past,' 'Material Place,' 'Material Presence,' 'The Material Narrative,' and 'The Material Gaze') document the richness and multidimensional character of what the author terms material Jewish identity. A perceptive concluding section, titled 'American or Jewish Material Identity?' considers the degree to which this material Jewish identity can be identified as specifically Jewish or American. . . All libraries supporting such patrons should seriously consider its purchase. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty. Choice