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The Schmooze

Author Blog: Historical Figures in ‘Magic Words’

Visiting blogger Gerald Kolpan shares some of the historical figures in his latest novel, “Magic Words: The Tale of a Jewish Boy-Interpreter, the World’s Most Estimable Magician, a Murderous Harlot, and America’s Greatest Indian Chief.” His blog posts are featured on The Arty Semite courtesy of the Jewish Book Council and My Jewish Learning’s Author Blog Series. For more information on the series, please visit:


Adelaide Herrmann, magician and wife of Alexander Herrmann

Alexander Herrmann, the great magician

Compars Herrmann, Alexander’s older brother and the first Great Herrmann

Julius Meyer with Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Swift Bear and Spotted Tail

General Nelson Miles, Indian Fighter

Standing Bear, chief of the Ponca


Visit Gerald Kolpan’s website for more about “Magic Words” and his first novel, “Etta.”


The Jewish Book Council is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the reading, writing and publishing of Jewish literature. For more Jewish literary blog posts, reviews of Jewish books and book club resources, and to learn about awards and conferences, please visit www.jewishbookcouncil.org.

MyJewishLearning.com is the leading transdenominational website of Jewish information and education. Visit My Jewish Learning for thousands of articles on Judaism, Jewish holidays, Jewish history and more.

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