A fictional narrative of Goray, a small town in Poland, which is torn apart by religious conflict centered around the followers of Sabbathai Zevi in the 16th century.

"Two novellas by S.Y. Abramovitsh open this collection of the best short works by three influential nineteenth-century Jewish authors, Abramovitsh's alter ego - Mendele the Book Peddler - introduces himself and narrates both The Little Man and Fishke the Lame. His cast of characters includes Isaac Abraham as tailor's apprentice, choirboy, and corrupt businessman; Mendele's friend Wine 'n' Candles Alter; and Fishke, who travels through the Ukraine...