Frieden (Judaic studies, Syracuse U.) introduces short fiction about East European Jewish life, not widely available in English, by three major 19th century Yiddish writers. Two novellas represent Abramovitsh, the father of modern Yiddish literature. Aleichem's popular "Tevye" stories are included. Peretz's Hasidic stories exemplify Yiddish modernism. Three biographical essays and a glossary round out the anthology. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)