Uncovering the Hidden

Der Nister (Pinkhes Kahanovitsh, 1884-1950) is widely regarded as the most enigmatic author in modern Yiddish literature. His pseudonym, which translates as 'The Hidden One', is as puzzling as his diverse body of works, which range from mystical symbolist poetry and dark expressionist tales to realist historical epic. Although part of the Kiev Group of Yiddish writers, which also included David Bergelson and Peretz Markish, Der Nister remained at the margins of the Yiddish literary world throughout his life, mainstream success eluding him both in- and outside the Soviet Union. Yet, to judge from the quantity of recent research and translation work, der Nister is today one of the best remembered Yiddish modernists. The present collection of twelve original articles by international scholars re-examines Der Nister's cultural and literary legacy, bringing to light new aspects of his life and creative output.

Gennady Estraikh

Introduction: Der Nister, Real and Imaginary 1. Der Nister's 'Hamburg Score' 2. Der Nister's Hebrew Nosegay 3. Andersens Mayselekh and Der Nister's Symbolist Agenda 4. A mayse mit a hon. Dos tsigele: Marc Chagall illustrating Der Nister 5. The 'Political' Writings of an 'Unpolitical' Yiddish Symbolist 6. Watch the Throne: Allegory, Kingship and Trauerspiel in the Stories of Der Nister and Reb Nakhman 7. Turning My Soul Inside Out': Text and Context of The Family Mashber 8. Symbolist Quest and Grotesque Masks: The Family Mashber as Parable and Confession 9. The Feast Has Ended': Time in the Family Mashber 10. We are lacking A Man Dieth in a Tent': Der Nister's Search for Redemption in the Summer of 1947