Speaking of Stories

transforming short stories from the page to the stage

 

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LEO ROSTEN

Leo Rosten was born in Poland and raised and educated in the U.S. His first book, 1937's The Education of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N, which grew out of short stories he had published in the New Yorker magazine, affectionately recounts the struggles of people steeped in Yiddish culture and language who are trying to acclimate to life in America. His best-known character, Hyman Kaplan, is based on one of Rosten's students from night school. Perhaps best known for his 1968 book, The Joys of Yiddish, he also authored dozens of nonfiction and fiction titles, including mysteries. He held many university appointments and was a special consultant to the movie industry and Washington .  He is noted for having popularized Yiddish in American English through his humorous books and essays.

 

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