King of Schnorrers

Published in the late 19th century, 'King of Schnorrers' by Israel Zangwill follows Manasseh da Costa, a clever schnorrer (beggar) in late 18th-century London who thrives on the charity of the Jewish community. Manasseh, a descendant of Portuguese Jews, navigates social hierarchies and challenges the perceptions of newly arrived Eastern European Jews. The novel humorously critiques social norms and concludes with Manasseh advocating for tolerance while pursuing his own interests.