Have you ever pondered who truly embodies the post-war American Jewish experience? The landscape is rich and diverse, with luminaries spanning film, literature, music, and more. From Woody Allen to Philip Roth, Bob Dylan to Barbra Streisand, the choices are indeed dizzying.
One writer, David Denby, took on the challenge of encapsulating this era by selecting four prominent figures for a collective biography. His book
“Eminent Jews”
shines a spotlight on Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, Norman Mailer, and Leonard Bernstein.
Denby’s choice of title pays homage to Lytton Strachey’s classic work
“Eminent Victorians,”
which explored key figures from a bygone era. However, Denby’s quartet hails from New York and Los Angeles—centers of cultural influence that shaped their lives.
Mailer: A Literary Maverick
Mailer’s journey from a Brooklyn kid to a Harvard prodigy reflects an extraordinary life trajectory. His literary prowess catapulted him to fame with works like
“The Naked and the Dead.”
Despite controversies in his personal life, Mailer remains an emblematic figure of 20th-century culture.
“Mel Brooks: Comedy Genius”
Described as perhaps the greatest comic mind in history by Denby himself, Mel Brooks’ career is nothing short of legendary. From TV shows like “Your Show of Shows” to iconic films such as “The Producers,” Brooks’ comedic genius continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Insights into Bernstein
While Denby’s admiration for Bernstein is evident in his book, some critics find it lacking in personal depth. Bernstein’s impact on music is profound but understanding the man behind the music proves elusive in this portrayal.
Friedan: A Complex Legacy
Betty Friedan’s seminal work
“The Feminine Mystique”
revolutionized feminist discourse. However, her later years saw feminism evolve beyond her initial vision. Denby navigates Friedan’s legacy delicately but may fall short in capturing her full complexity.
In
“Eminent Jews,”
Denby celebrates these individuals not necessarily as the absolute best in their fields but as unique and influential voices shaping American intellectual life. Each chapter unfolds a tapestry of talent and tumult that defined an era—and continues to resonate today.
