Antedating of schliemiel (1889)

[James Smith]

The character "Schlémil" is in Offenbach's "Contes
d"Hoffman" that premiered in Paris in 1881
(composition finished in 1880).  Schlémil is certainly
a schlimiel, and I've always considered the name as
deliberatly and aptly chosen.  Offenbach probably
spoke or was at least familiar with Yiddish.  So far,
the date of the English and American premiers, which
may or may not lead to an antedating, have eluded me.

--- Sam Clements <SClements at NEO.RR.COM> wrote:
> 14 Oct. 1889  _Sandusky Daily Register_   2/2
>
> <<The ancient Israelites called a man who was
> peculiarly unlucky a Schlemiel.  No matter what his
> opportunities he was sure to have ill luck. >>


=====
James D. SMITH                 |If history teaches anything
South SLC, UT                  |it is that we will be sued
jsmithjamessmith at yahoo.com     |whether we act quickly and decisively
                               |or slowly and cautiously.

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