Abe and Mawruss: Being Further Adventures of Potash and Perlmutter

by Montague Glass

"Abe and Mawruss: Being Further Adventures of Potash and Perlmutter" by Montague Glass is a comedic novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular characters, Abe Potash and Morris Perlmutter, who are partners in a garment business. The book explores their interactions with fellow merchants and the humorous situations they find themselves in, particularly regarding themes of sympathy in business and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Abe and Mawruss as they discuss their shipping clerk, Jake, and the potential hiring of a new employee named Nathan Schenkmann. The boys debate the merits of sympathy in business, especially as they navigate the pitfalls of trusting people in their trade. With discussions highlighting their differing attitudes and philosophies, particularly around the concept of charity and trust in business, a comedic yet insightful portrayal of their lives and interactions unfolds. Abe’s attempt to act on sympathy leads him to hire - or at least consider hiring - a man with a troubled past, while Morris remains skeptical, foreshadowing the humorous conflicts to come.