The Szyk Haggadah (Paperback)

Arthur Szyk

ISBN 10: 0810997533 / ISBN 13: 9780810997530

Published by Abrams, New York, 2011

Paperback. Arthur Szyk (pronounced "Shick") created his magnificent Haggadah in Lodz, on the eve of the Nazi occupation of his native Poland. There is no Haggadah like it, before or since, filled with sumptuous paintings of Jewish heroes and stunning calligraphy.This edition, the first since 1940 to be reproduced from Szyk's original art, boasts a newly commissioned and extremely practical English text by Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin, ideal for use at any family Seder, and a special commentary section by Rabbi Sherwin and Irvin Ungar gives insight into both the rituals of the Seder and Szyk's rich illustrations.Available in both hardcover and paperback editions, The Szyk Haggadah will transform the Seder, bringing the story of the Exodus from Egypt into a more contemporary light. Praise for The Szyk Haggadah:"Szyk's Haggadah is still fabulous and fresh." -Hadassah Magazine A modern illuminated haggadah, illustrated by master miniaturist Arthur Szyk in Poland just after Hitler's rise to power, with all-new translation and commentary by leading Jewish theologian Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780810997530

Synopsis:

Arthur Szyk (pronounced ShickA") created his Haggadah on the eve of the Nazi occupation of his native Poland. In 1937, he relocated to London, carrying with him the 48 densely illustrated panels that depicted Jewish heroes like Moses and David triumphing over Egyptians and Philistines. Three years later, a group of wealthy English Jews financed a first (limited) edition of The Szyk Haggadah. By 1956, the plates had found their way to Israel, where a trade edition remained in print until 2003. Available in the United States only through specialized distribution channels, this version became the most popular haggadah of the twentieth century-at least in Israel. This edition, the first widely available printing since 1940 to be reproduced from Szyk's original art, boasts a newly commissioned and incredibly practical text by Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin, the Director of Doctoral Studies at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. A special commentary section, which follows the main story of the Passover, gives insight into both the rituals of the seder and Szyk's rich illustrations. A master miniaturist, Arthur Szyk studied and worked in Paris, Krakow, and Palestine during the years before World War I. His art attracted the attention of the Polish Army in Lodz, which recruited him to head their Department of Propaganda. Following the war, he was a popular and highly collectable artist, traveling to America to promote exhibitions. Hitler's rise to power in early 1933 prompted Szyk's return to Lodz, where he began work on his haggadah in earnest. The original version of the haggadah, which depicts historical Jewish triumphs through contemporaneous villains, included swastikas on the armbands of the Egyptians.A" Szyk eventually removed these to make the illustrations more palatable to European publishers, who were wary of Germany's military expansions. Szyk's anti-Nazi work was widely published during World War II; in 1941, Putnam published The New Order, filled with Szyk caricatures of Axis leaders, and his satirical drawings of Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito graced magazine covers, editorials, ads for war bonds, and even War Department pamphlets and films.

About the Author:

Arthur Szyk (1884–1951) was known primarily as a political illustrator of the highest caliber. Eleanor Roosevelt once referred to him as a “one-man army,” and indeed, he saw himself as a “soldier in art.”

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Szyk Haggadah (Paperback)
Publisher: Abrams, New York
Publication Date: 2011
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new