Purim
1. Goodman, Philip. The Purim Anthology. Philadelphia:
Jewish Publication Society, 1973.
The book includes segments on the origins of Purim, special Purims, the
celebration of Purim among different Jewish communities, Purim in literature,
art and music, stories and poems, Purim humor and programs, Purim in the
synagogue and a music supplement with notes and a bibliography. This is
a good place to look for a wide variety of Purim information and activities.
2. Fishman, Priscilla. Minor and Modern Festivals. Jerusalem:
Keter, 1973.
The Section on Purim includes a discussion of the scroll of Esther, history
and folklore, the mitzvot for Purim, Liturgy, Feast and Food, Purim shpils
and special Purims.
The Megila: Translation and Commentary
1. The New JPS.
This common translation of the Tanakh, now in a Hebrew-English edition
as well, is probably the best place to find an English translation of
the scroll with no commentary.
2. Zlotowitz, Meir and Nosson Scherman (commentators). The
Megillah: The Book of Esther. New York: Mesorah Publications, 1976.
This edition, otherwise known as the ArtScroll edition, includes an introduction
discussing the period and the miracle of the Megillah. The translation
is in Modern English and the subject of each paragraph is indicated in
the margins. The commentary is a compilation of various traditional sources.
3. Cohen, A. "Esther." In The Five Megilloth.
London: Sancino Press, 1961.
This edition includes a short introduction and the translation is somewhat
archaic. The commentary uses traditional and non-traditional sources and
refers also to the historical background of the story.
Midrash and Stories:
1. Bialik, Hayyim Nahman and Yehoshua Hana Ravnitzky. The
Book of Legends Sefer Ha-Aggadah: Legends from the Talmud and Midrash.
New York: Schocken Books, 1992. Part 2, ch. 8, 6-14.
OR
2. Bialik, Hayyim Hahman and Yehoshua Hana Rawnitzky. Sefer
Ha-Aggadah: The Book of Jewish Folklore and Legend. Tel Aviv: Dvir,
1988. P. 222-229.
3. Ginzberg, Louis. The Legends of the Jews. Philadelphia:
Jewish Publication Society. Vol. 4, p. 363-448; vol. 6, 451-482.