The Last Anglo-Jewish Gentleman: The Life and Times of Redcliffe Nathan Salaman

Redcliffe Salaman (1874–1955) was an English Jew who was a country gentleman, physician, biologist, Jewish nationalist, and race scientist. He was a leading figure in the Anglo-Jewish community and was also a critic of its changing character. His wife Nina was the first woman to deliver a sermon in an Orthodox synagogue in Britain. The Last Anglo-Jewish Gentleman offers a compelling biography of Salaman and insights into the life of English Jews during the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Redcliffe Salaman, an English Jew of remarkable versatility, hailed from a diverse background encompassing various facets of life. Born in 1874 and passing away in 1955, he was a country gentleman, a physician, a biologist who pioneered the breeding of blight-free strains of potatoes, a Jewish nationalist, and a race scientist. During his lifetime, Salaman was a well-known figure, and his book, The Last Anglo-Jewish Gentleman, seeks to re-establish his rightful place in the annals of British science and the British Jewish community.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Salaman played a significant role in the Anglo-Jewish community during the 20th century. At the same time, he was also an astute observer of the evolving dynamics of that community. His groundbreaking work, The History and Social Influence of the Potato, originally published in 1949 and in continuous print ever since, stands as a classic in social history. Salaman's wife, Nina, was a remarkable woman in her own right. She was a feminist, poet, essayist, and translator of medieval Hebrew poetry, making her the first (and, to this day, the only) woman to deliver a sermon in an Orthodox synagogue in Britain.

The Last-Anglo Jewish Gentleman presents a captivating biography of Redcliffe Salaman, delving into the intricacies of his life and shedding light on the experiences of English Jews during the late-19th and early-20th centuries. It also uncovers hitherto unknown controversies and tensions that existed within Jewish society during that period. Through its comprehensive narrative, the book offers a valuable perspective on the multifaceted life of a remarkable individual and provides a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of Jewish life in Britain during a pivotal era.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253061751