This is the story of perhaps the world's most unusual Jewish community, told through the eyes of the oldest member of one of its most unusual families. Solomon 'Momy' Levy is one of the best known figures in Gibraltar. Levy was the Rock's first civic mayor, and he is a prominent and cherished part of both civic and Jewish life. His friendships with the Governors of the Rock are legion. Solomon Levy's story is told with a wonderfully humorous approach, and it includes accounts of his schooling at the Jewish private school Carmel College in Britain; his astonishingly close family; his dealings with a succession of Governors; his attachment to the Queen and all things British; and his relations with the local Catholic clergy, particularly its bishop. Written by Michael Freedland, a renowned journalist and broadcaster, Man on the Rock is also very much the story of the Gibraltar community, which is Jewish in a way few others in the non-Charedi Diaspora are. Walk through the main street on a Shabbat and one will see shop after shop closed. Hence, unlike in other places, Saturday is not the busiest trading day of the week. Solomon Levy embodies this religious approach, as this anecdote demonstrates: As an officer in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, he was asked to lead the 10-gun salute for the Queen's Birthday. The trouble was that it occurred on a Shabbat, so he consulted his rabbi. What do you have to do? asked the rabbi. Just shout, Fire , he replied. So do it, said the rabbi. I then walked all the way to the top of the rock and ordered Fire Everyone seemed happy with that.

Al Jolson, celebrated star of the worlds first talking picture and self-proclaimed Worlds Greatest Entertainer, blazed many trails through show business and today his name still conjures up the glamour of Broadway and the silver screen. This is the definitive biography of a man who became a household name in his own lifetime. The first to speak in the movies; the first to appear on American television; the first to release a long-playing record in Britain: this great performers achievements were unique. Jolsons lifelong love affair with his audience, his four marriages, his amazing ego, and his traumatic personal life all are described in detail, along with many anecdotes and reminiscences from those who knew, loved, and worked with him. This is the eighth edition of this biography published as a result of a clamour from Jolson fans to still be able to read about this remarkable performer. He personified show business in an age when people waited in line to be able to see t