Noah, Mordecai Manuel. The Fortress of Sorrento: A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

D. Longworth

New York

1808

Singerman 185

The first play written by a Jew in the United States of America. Noah’s first published work. Of Portuguese-Jewish descent, the multi-faceted Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) had deep roots in Revolutionary America. His father took an active part in the War of Independence, indeed, it has been suggested that George Washington was present at the wedding of Noah’s parents. Today, Noah is remembered for his utopian dream of establishing a Jewish colony, “Ararat,” on Grand Island, New York. At various times in his long, colorful career, Noah served as playwright, newspaper editor, and American Consul to Tunis. See JE, Vol. IX, pp. 323-4; EJ, Vol. XII cols. 1198-99.