Joseph in Egypt : a cultural icon from Grotius to Goethe / Bernhard Lang.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. Joseph as a cultural icon in early-modern times -- Joseph in Genesis -- Post-biblical traditions -- The icon of piety : Joseph for children. On education -- A lesson in godliness : Lavater -- Starting life with Joseph : Goethe -- Appendix : Joseph portrayed : Trautmann -- The icon of chastity : the handsome Hebrew. On sexual morality -- Libertine libido : Mrs. Rowe -- Irresistible eros : Bodmer -- The triumph of chaste love : Fielding -- The icon of leadership : Joseph the statesman. On statecraft -- Civic humanist : Grotius -- Competent courtier : Zesen -- Hebrew Freemason : Albrecht -- Against the icon : radical readings. On historical criticism -- Despotic ruler : Morgan -- Tax collector : Voltaire -- The iconic text : a beautiful story. On literary criticism -- A conte philosophique : Voltaire -- The triumph of beauty : Chateaubriand.