Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.: Beacon Pr, 1987. 7¾" - 9¾" tall. 272 pp. The ordeal referred to in the title is the difficulty which Jews had, during and following their emancipation, with acquiring and practicing the civility, politeness and decorum of the greater Western culture into which they were trying to enter. Having formerly lived in villages, surrounded by family, friends and familiars, they were shocked to discover an urban life where just about everyone they met were strangers not only to them, but to each other.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Good.