The Last of the Asmoneans: A Novel by Nathan Mayer, M.D. (First Edition)

First edition of Nathan Mayer's novel, *The Last of the Asmoneans*, published in Cincinnati in 1859 by Bloch & Co., Office of The Israelite. This 113-page 8vo volume, bound in modern boards, is foxed. The novel is set in ancient Judea during the reign of King Herod. Isaac Mayer Wise, in his *The World of My Books*, notes Mayer's contribution to American Jewish literature, stating that Mayer's writing relieved Wise of the need to continue producing Jewish fiction in English. The book is considered rare and is not included in Singerman's bibliography. Mayer, a physician active in Cincinnati's Jewish community in the mid-1850s, served as a surgeon in the Civil War and his experiences are reflected in this somewhat autobiographical novel. He was known as the “Most versatile Jewish Soldier in the War Between the States,” serving in the 11th Connecticut Infantry and participating in battles such as Antietam, South Mountain, and Fredericksburg.

Associated People/Businesses

• Mayer, Nathan M.D.

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Historical fiction
• Civil war

Physical Location