"Our Crowd": The Great Jewish Families in New York

Stephen Birmingham (1929-2015) was an American author known for his social histories, particularly those focusing on the upper class in America. “Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York” (1967) is one of his most notable works, exploring the lives of wealthy German-American Jewish families in New York City.
Book Overview
“Our Crowd” is a comprehensive history of the Jewish elite in New York, tracing their origins, rise to prominence, and cultural traditions. Birmingham profiles prominent families such as the Seligmans, Lehmans, and Goldmans, highlighting their business acumen, philanthropic efforts, and social connections. The book examines the unique blend of Germanic and Jewish cultures that defined this community, known as “Our Crowd” or “The 100.”
Key Points
- The book took Birmingham 18 months to research and write, and it almost single-handedly created the literary genre of social histories.
- “Our Crowd” broke numerous records upon publication, including length of time on the NY Times Best Seller List, solidifying Birmingham’s preeminence in the social history genre.
- The book focuses on the history of wealthy German-American Jewish families primarily in New York City, offering a fascinating glimpse into their lives, traditions, and cultural practices.
- Birmingham’s work is praised for its engaging storytelling, meticulous research, and ability to convey the complexities of this unique community.
Reception
- Critics have praised “Our Crowd” for its engaging narrative, insightful portrayals of the families, and rich atmospheric picture of this close-knit society.
- The book has been described as “a lively story” and “a fascinating and absorbing chapter of New York social and financial history.”
- Reviewers have noted Birmingham’s skill in conveying the nuances of this community, saying he “knows what he’s talking about” when it comes to the folkways of the rich and powerful.