Examining the golem (an inanimate mudfigure imbued with life through mystical means whose purpose is to protect and to avenge) as a construct from early Jewish folktale to modern fiction, Baer (English and genocide, Gustavus Adolphus College) interprets the myth and its meaning in the context of post-Holocaust works of fiction. Organized chronologically and by work, the text traces the story and its rich symbolism from origins in folktale through appearances in both literature and popular culture. Includes critical intertextual analysis of the golem and its manifestations in particular works from television, comics, and literature and a variety of illustrations and cartoons. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)