Description
Book SynopsisCohen argues that it was in the thirteenth century that a fundamental shift occurred in the Christian perception of both Judaism and Jews in Western Europe, and he attributes this change to the activities of the newly-formed mendicant ordersthe Dominicans and Franciscans. In order to make this case as effectively as he does, the author has to approach his problem from two different perspectivesthat of the historian of the medieval church, and that of the Jewish historian. Each of these approaches has its own scholarly literature, its own emphases, its own particular blind spots. It is the principal quality of this book that it focuses a steady, clear light on those dark corners, and will make sense to a variety of readers.... Cohen''s views will be taken seriously. Indeed, the calm and sensible tone of this book may help stimulate a new scholarly debate.American Jewish History
Trade ReviewCohen not only presents the ideology and strategy of such leading figures as Raymond de Peñaforte, Pablo Christiani, Raymond Martini, Nicholas of Lyra, and Raymond Lull, but also some Jewish responses to their attacks.... This book is thoroughly researched, documented, and convincing.
* Religious Studies Review *
Important, richly documented, and beautifully written.... Highly recommended.
* Choice *
Table of ContentsPreface
Abbreviations
IntroductionPART ONE: THE EMERGENCE OF MENDICANT ANTI-JUDAISM
1. The Early Medieval Background
2. The Mendicant Orders
3. The Attack on Rabbinic Literature
4. The Spread of Inquisitorial ActivityPART TWO: IDEOLOGICAL REFINEMENTS
5. The School of Raymond de Peñiaforte: Pablo Christiani
6. The School of Raymond de Peñiaforte: Raymond Martini
7. Synthesis and Diffusion: Nicholas of LyraPART THREE: THE IDEOLOGY IN PERSPECTIVE: ITS APPLICATIONS AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
8. Raymond Lull
9. Involving the Laity: Mendicant Poetry and Preaching
10. Conclusion: Mendicant Anti-Judaism and the Evolving Self-Consciousness of Latin ChristendomAppendix: Textual Parallels in Nicholas of Lyra's Quodlibeturn and Raymond Martini's Pugio fidei
Bibliography
Index
