Isaac Harby of Charleston, 1788-1828 : Jewish reformer and intellectual /

Zola's excellently written and researched biography of Isaac Harby is a vivid portrait of intellectual and social life in the early national period. Though much has been written concerning Harby's role in the earliest attempt at Jewish religious reform in America, Zola provides a much-needed examination of Harby's achievements in other fields such as education, belles lettres, and publishing. Despite Harby's tremendous ability and intellect, fame and fortune eluded him because of a shrinking economy in Charleston and his early death soon after his removal to New York. The biography benefits from many hitherto unknown sources including some of Harby's early literary work and his library collection, with marginalia intact (now in the possession of a descendent). This biography will certainly interest students and researchers of American Jewish history, but students of the history of American letters of the southern states will also find it invaluable. The only shortcoming is Zola's failure to adequately situate Jewish reformist sentiment within the framework of broader religious stirrings in the early 19th century US. This minor criticism aside, Zola's biography is a monumental achievement and will undoubtedly remain the standard for many years. All levels. J. M. Eidelman; Yale University