Two Bookends - fagin . England, 20th century

Two Bookends - fagin . England, 20th century

Two book holders "Oliver's introduction to fagin" - a relief work that presents the scene in which Oliver first meets Fagin the Jewish crook, from the novel 'Oliver Twist'. England, 20th century.

On the backs of the book holders the scene is described in engraved letters: "Oliver's introduction to the respectable old gentleman. this is him, fagin said the artful dodger, my friend "oliver twist". The jew grinned & took him by the hand we are very glad to see you "oliver" very, said the jew HA! HA! HA!" 

The figure of FAGIN presented as a Jewish criminal and leader of a group of pickpocket children is taken from the novel 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens [published in 1838], the stereotypical character appears in the book as a Jew in neglected clothing and messy hair. In the novel, FAGIN is most blatantly described as an evil villain and may be teaching children how to steal, and is often mentioned not by his first name, but by the nickname "the Jew." Although in his later years, Dickens was disturbed by the stereotypical image he created, following the sale of his house in London to the Jewish banker James David, and in later editions of the book many of the "Jewish" mentions omitted refer to the criminal FAGIN, Nevertheless, the figure was accepted throughout Europe in various forms as a typical figure for the "jewish" crook and the thief Threatening the local population.

12x9x5 cm. Very good condition.