Outwitting History- Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books by Aaron Lansky (2005, 328 pages)

 

Two months ago ago Yale University Press, followed shortly by Wayne State University Press, sent me a wonderful treasure trove of the considered best by experts translations of Yiddish literature into English.  As I began to explore the history behind these books I soon realized that they come from a culture deeply into the reading life.  The book and the scholar were revered.  

Yiddish literature, Aaron Kansky devotes a perfect chapter in his book to a brief history of Yiddish literature from which I greatly profited, begun around 1864 when Sholem Abramovitch began publishing in Yiddish, a language he regarded as "crude" compared to Hebrew, and ended in 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland.  Millions of readers devoted to the reading life were killed in the holocaust.  Many also immigrated to America bringing as many books as they could with them.  A thriving Yiddish language publishing industry began in New York City to serve the reading needs of the vast Yiddish community.  At one time New York City was among the places in the world where Yiddish was most spoken.  Many Yiddish books were also preserved in Russia.  The Nazis burned as many as they could find, along with the authors.  

Outwitting History  is a totally wonderful book, especially for book lovers.  (Loving books and reading are, of course very interconnected, but they are not the same thing.) As the story open in 1980 in the New York City area, Lanksy is a college student who wants very badly to learn Yiddish and read deeply in the literature of the language.  He enrolls in a class in Yiddish but only he and one other student are really passionate in their desire to learn the language.  Many see Yiddish as a "low class language" of unassimilated slightly embarrassing recent Eastern European immigrants.  Lansky  and a friend arrange private Yiddish lessons and Ruth Wisse, leading American scholar in the field, becomes his mentor.  He and his friends hear about a large collection of Yiddish books that are in a dumpster and they rescue them just before a heavy rain would destroy the books..  Soon he begins to be contacted by, he placed an advertisement in the newspaper seeking donations of Yiddish books, many who want to give him their books.  Most are elderly and want their books to have a "good home".  When he goes to visit they tell him the stories of what the books mean to them.  Their own children, often very successful, are not interested in a Yiddish  culture, seeing it as something for their grandparents.  He begins to acquire so many books, there are an estimated 35,000 Yiddish titles, he needs a warehouse.  He founds the The Yiddish Book Center and forms a board.  He becomes skilled as a public speaker and fund raiser.  it was fascinating to see the many people who wanted to help.

Much of the book is taken up with Lansky's encounters with book donors. He goes to Russia to gather books.   On all pick ups, he would be offered lots of food and listen to people's life stories.  Most were so happy their precious books will have a loving home.

There are stories of rescues of priceless collections left behind after people die.  He begins to develop a nationwide network of people helping him collect books.  He acquires a huge warehouse for the collection.  As he goes on he deepens his appreciation of Yiddish literature and culture.  The books are a bridge to a culture that would otherwise be lost. 

Lansky tells us a lot about the growth of The Yiddish Book Center (now located at Amherst University and in its 33rd year) and how his life has been impacted by his passion for books.

Out Witting History is a feel good work all book lovers will relish.  It is in part an autobiography, a cultural mini-premier in Yiddish history with a lot of great personalities.  Lansky makes the collection of these books a lot of fun to read about.

Mel u