Simon Bronner Livres

The book explores the rich history of Steelton, an industrial hub known for its ethnic diversity and productivity along the Susquehanna River. It highlights the contributions of various immigrant groups, particularly Slavs and Italians, alongside African Americans who worked at Bethlehem Steel Company. The narrative delves into the town's vibrant religious life, athletic achievements, and the pride of its residents in their military service during the world wars. Vintage images capture the essence of this unique community and its legacy.

Folklore: The Basics is an engaging guide to the practice and interpretation of folklore. Taking examples from around the world, it explores the role of folklore in expressing fundamental human needs, desires, and anxieties that often are often not revealed through other means. Providing a clear framework for approaching the study of folklore, it introduces the reader to methodologies for identifying, documenting, interpreting and applying key information about folklore and its relevance to modern life. From the Brothers Grimm to Internet Memes, it addresses such topics as:What is folklore? How do we study it? Why does folklore matter? How does folklore relate to elite culture? Is folklore changing in a digital age?With case studies, suggestions for reading and a glossary of key terminology, Folklore: The Basics supports readers in becoming familiar with folkloric traditions and interpret cultural expression. It is an essential read for anyone approaching the study of folklore for the first time.

The exploration of Jewish cultural identity is central to this work, which examines how Jews navigate their cultural group status in diverse societies. Simon J. Bronner employs ethnography, folkloristic interpretation, and rhetorical analysis to highlight the complexities of Jewish self-identification and cultural practices. The book is organized into three parts, addressing identity construction, ritualization for community continuity, and the evolution of Jewish narratives in contemporary contexts. Bronner advocates for a multiperspectival approach to understanding the unique aspects of Jewish culture amidst broader ethnic experiences.

Established by German immigrants in the early 19th century, the Jewish community of Greater Harrisburg flourished, growing to 600 residents by the century's end. Its civic engagement surpassed that of similar settlements, while early 20th-century immigration from Eastern Europe significantly expanded the population and transformed its ethnic landscape. The community developed a wide array of institutions and became a central hub for Jewish life in Pennsylvania, producing notable figures in Jewish affairs, business, and the arts.

In Contexts of Folklore, leading lights of folklore studies from many corners of the globe honor folklorist Dan Ben-Amos--recognized for his paradigm-shifting definition of folklore as "artistic communication in small groups"--by presenting original studies inspired by his insights.