The Provincials: A Personal History of Jews in the South

In this classic portrait of Jews in the South, Eli N. Evans takes readers inside the nexus of southern and Jewish histories, from the earliest immigrants to the present day. Evoking the rhythms and heartbeat of Jewish life in the Bible belt, Evans weaves together chapters of recollections from his youth and early years in North Carolina with chapters that explore the experiences of Jews in many southern cities and small towns. He presents the stories of communities, individuals, and events in this quintessential American landscape, making clear the deeply intertwined strands of southern and Jewish life. First published in 1973 and updated in 1997, The Provincials was one of the first books to survey the history and contributions of Jews in the South. No other book on this subject combines elements of memoir and history in such a compelling way. This edition includes a gallery of more than two dozen family and historical photographs as well as a new introduction by the author.