In 1634, when plague was threatening Bavaria, the citizens of the town of Oberammergau made a pledge that if their town were spared they would perform the Passion Play every ten years until the end of time. The town was spared, and the citizens have kept their promise. This book is a highly readable cultural history of the town, the play, and the often turbulent times both have faced, focusing much of its discussion on their relation to anti-semitism.  (GER67, $13.00)