Sir Moses Montefiore

First published in 1884, Wolf's biography of Montefiore also covers the wider situation of Jews in Britain, Europe and Russia.

First published in 1884, this centennial biography of Sir Moses Montefiore is full of fascinating insights into the situation of British, European and Russian Jews in the nineteenth century. Written by a well-known journalist and campaigner for Jewish rights, it includes a brief history of the Jews in England.Originally published in 1884 as a centennial biography for Sir Moses Montefiore (1784–1885), this book draws on official records and informal writings to create a well-rounded account of Montefiore's life as, firstly, a financier and, later, a significant Jewish community leader. In an age of frequent pogroms and anti-Semitic prejudice in Europe, Montefiore immersed himself in philanthropic works after a religious awakening in 1824 in Palestine. By encouraging reforms, lobbying for the release of wrongfully imprisoned Jews and investing in Jewish projects all over Europe, he endeavoured to improve the lives and rights of Jews globally. Wolf (1857–1930) was himself a prominent political journalist and campaigner for Jewish rights. His book not only recounts Montefiore's life and achievements, but also incorporates the history of English Jews between 750 and 1837.