The Jews of Medieval Western Christendom 10001500 [Paperback]

A comprehensive synthesis of medieval Jewish history between AD 1000 and 1500.In this important synthesis of medieval Jewish history, Robert Chazan discusses the Jewish experience in Europe between AD 1000 and 1500. As well as being the story of medieval Jewry, the book also illuminates important aspects of majority life in Europe.In this important synthesis of medieval Jewish history, Robert Chazan discusses the Jewish experience in Europe between AD 1000 and 1500. As well as being the story of medieval Jewry, the book also illuminates important aspects of majority life in Europe.Between the years AD 1000 and 1500, western Christendom absorbed by conquest and attracted through immigration a growing number of Jews. This community was to make a valuable contribution to rapidly developing European civilisation but was also to suffer some terrible setbacks, culminating in a series of expulsions from the more advanced westerly areas of Europe. At the same time, vigorous new branches of world Jewry emerged and a rich new Jewish cultural legacy was created. In this important historical synthesis, Robert Chazan discusses the Jewish experience over a 500 year period across the entire continent of Europe. As well as being the story of medieval Jewry, the book simultaneously illuminates important aspects of majority life in Europe during this period. This book is essential reading for all students of medieval Jewish history and an important reference for any scholar of medieval Europe.List of maps; Preface; Introduction; Part I. Prior Legacies: 1. The Muslim legacy; 2. The Christian legacy; 3. The Jewish legacy; Part II. The Pan-European Roman Catholic Church: 4. Theological doctrine; 5. Ecclesiastical policies; 6. Imagery of Judaism and the Jews; 7. Cultural and spiritual creativity: danger, challenge, stimulus; 8. Looking ahead; Part III. The Older Jewries of the South: 9. Southern France; 10. Christian Spain; 11. Italy and Sicily; Part IV. The Newer Jewries of the North: Nlã*