Princeton University Press Jazz Age Jews by Princeton University Press - History Book

Explore the complex history of American Jewish identity during a transformative era. By the 1920s, Jewish Americans were achieving significant success across economic, political, and cultural sectors. However, this period was marked by a unique psychological paradox. As children of immigrants moved into mainstream society, many chose to maintain a sense of distinction rather than seeking full assimilation. This book examines why many individuals preferred a marginal status over complete acculturation, opting instead to identify with groups that remained outside the American mainstream. Through the collective stories of Al Jolson, Felix Frankfurter, and Arnold Rothstein, the text provides a deep look into the social dynamics of the time. These three figures, all born in the 1880s and raised near Jewish ghettos, serve as lenses to understand the tension between success and identity. This work is a significant addition for readers interested in social and cultural history, offering a detailed perspective on how a community navigated its place in a rapidly changing nation.