Skip to main content

Antisemitic Literature Collection

 File
Identifier: P-701

Scope and Content Note

The Antisemitic Literature Collection contains publications and illustrations related primarily to the subject of antisemitism in the United States in the twentieth century. The materials were collected over several decades primarily by Nathan Kaganoff, former librarian of the American Jewish Historical Society, who organized them into series. The bulk of materials are in English and in good condition. Original order was maintained wherever possible. The collection contains a broad range of items, much but not all of which is overtly "anti-Semitic."

In some publications and organizational literature, Jews are the exclusive targets of hostility. In other materials, Jews are but one of many groups subjected to published diatribes. Attacks on Jews appear frequently in the context of anti-Communist, anti-capitalist, anti-Zionist, and anti-immigrant literature. In still other items included in this collection, Jews are not mentioned specifically (for example, in attacks on Catholics or African-Americans). One can conclude that Kaganoff included such material which, even if not explicitly anti-Semitic, reflected views often associated with or sympathetic to anti-Semitism. A similarly broad range of materials characterizes the illustrations in this collection, from turn-of-the century caricatures of prominent English Jews to scathing visual critiques of European Jewish immigration.

Dates

  • Creation: undated, 1869-1993, 2017

Language of Materials

This collection is in English, Yiddish, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open to all researchers, except items that may be restricted due to their fragility, or privacy.

Use Restrictions

No permission is required to quote, reproduce or otherwise publish manuscript materials found in this collection, as long as the usage is scholarly, educational, and non-commercial. For inquiries about other usage, please contact the Director of Collections and Engagement at mmeyers@ajhs.org.

For reference questions, please email: inquiries@cjh.org

Extent

32.80 Linear Feet (29 manuscript boxes, 4 half manuscript boxes, 1 20x24x3 boxes, 9 16x20x3 boxes)

Abstract

The Anti-Semitic Literature Collection documents journalistic source materials (newspapers, newsletters, and illustrations) regarding views of anti-Semitism in the United States during the 20th-century. A few items from the 19th-century are included, particularly illustrations from Puck, Vanity Fair, and The Judge. Items are from various periodicals (i.e., The Dearborn Independent, Common Sense, The Crusader, The White American), organizations (i.e., American Nazi Party, the Christian Educational Association, and the White Party of America), and by many different authors (i.e., Father C.E. Coughlin, Benjamin Freedman, Otto H.F. Vollbehr). Additionally, this collection contains responses by American organizations to American and European anti-Semitism as well as documentation on the reaction of anti-Semitism in Canada.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by publication title, author's name, organization's name, or country. Section B of Series IV arranged chronologically by date of publication. See descriptions of individual series.

Researchers should note that many items are located separately in oversized boxes, as noted by "(oversized)" in the Folder List.

The collection is arranged in seven series:

  1. Series I: Periodical Publications, undated, 1920-1982
  2. Series II: Anti-Semitic Material by Organization, undated, 1919-1989
  3. Series III: Anti-Semitic Material by Author, undated, 1931-1990
  4. Series IV: Reaction to American Anti-Semitism, undated, 1920-1993
  5. Series V: Reaction to German and Soviet Anti-Semitism, undated, 1931-1982
  6. Series VI: Subject Files, undated, 1880-1992
  7. Series VII: Illustrations, undated, 1869-1986
  8. Oversized Materials, 1800s-1900s

Provenance

Acquired and assembled by the Society. The materials were collected over several decades primarily by Nathan Kaganoff, librarian of the American Jewish Historical Society, who organized them into series.

Processing information

Processing this collection involved refoldering materials, using alkaline-buffered folders; placing fragile documents and objects (badges, patches, etc.) in mylar sleeves; and flattening newspapers. Processing assistants made preservation photocopies of worn and extremely fragile materials onto acid-neutral paper.

Title
Guide to the Antisemitic Literature Collection, undated, 1869-1993, 2017 P-701
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Rona Sheramy, Wasserman Fellow, Brandeis University
Date
© November 2001.
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is in English.
Edition statement
This version was derived from AntisemLit2.xml

Revision Statements

  • August 4, 2006.: Added links to arrangement, moved a folder to a different section by Marvin Rusinek.
  • May 2003.: Revised as AntisemLit2.xml to EAD 2002 by Tanya Elder. Updated agency/repository codes, added language codes, changed arrangement, etc. Added new folder.
  • March 2017.: Series VIII: Internet Articles added by Tanya Elder. Updated name and subject headings.
  • May 24, 2017.: Tanya Elder added item to Box 9 Folder 64a.
  • November 1, 2017: Updated <emph render="italic">Puck</emph> cartoon folder location. Tanya Elder.
  • October 2020: EHyman: post-ASpace migration cleanup.

Repository Details

Part of the American Jewish Historical Society Repository

Contact:
15 West 16th Street
New York NY 10011 United States