It is not possible to conduct studies of Yiddish culture and society, without a firm understanding of the concept of "Shtetl". A Yiddish word meaning small town or village, the "Shtetl" has housed the development of the Jewish Diaspora in Eastern Europe throughout the past several hundred years. This book fully explores the concept of the "Shtetl" from the false images constructed in popular works such as Fiddler on the Roof to the adoration it invoked in young Americans searching for an identity after World War II. Contents listed on reverse.