Ronald Schechter

By Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Nathan the Wise

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

One of the most frequently performed and widely read comedies of the eighteenth century, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's Nathan the Wise (1779) combines rich characterization with an engaging plot. Set in Muslim-ruled Jerusalem at the time of the Crusades, it deals with universal themes -- including the nature of God, antisemitism, wealth and poverty, and the conflict between love and duty. Today the play is as timely as ever. This edition, the first English version expressly intended for undergraduates, contains an insightful introduction that discusses the play, Lessing and the Enlightenment, and the situation of Jews in eighteenth-century Europe. Additionally, there are five related historical documents -- each with a context-setting headnote -- illustrations, a chronology, questions for consideration, and a selected bibliography.

Annotation A path-breaking study of the Jews in France from the time of the philosophies through the Revolution and up to Napoleon. Examines how Jews were thought of during this time, by both French writers and the Jews themselves.

Ronald Schechter

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