Hebrew fiction has emerged as a vital modern literary force, and the scope and riches of this literature is brilliantly exemplified by the eight short novels included in this landmark collection. Some of the authors represented here, like S.Y. Agnon, Amos Oz and A.B. Yehoshua are internationally celebrated. Others, like David Vogel, are writers of rare genius whose work until now had not been widely avaliable. Earlier writers like Y.H. Brenner and Uri Gnessin virtually created modern Hebrew literature, yet are rarely read by modern audiences. Writing in Hebrew, these writers tell of earlier European experiences, of emigration to Israel and of the lives of modern Israelis. Chosen and introduced by Alan Lelchuk, the American novelist, and Gershon Shaked, the Israeli critic, 8 Great Hebrew Short Novels has been superbly translated. This is an outstanding introduction to classic and contemporary Hebrew writing, now avaliable to English readers.