The Friars and the Jews: The Evolution of Medieval Anti-Judaism / Edition 1

by Jeremy Cohen

Overview

"Cohen 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 orders—the Dominicans and Franciscans. In order to make this case as effectively as he does, the author has to approach his problem from two different perspectives—that 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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801492662
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	04/15/1985
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Jeremy Cohen holds the Melton Chair of Jewish History at The Ohio State University and is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jewish History at Tel Aviv University.

Table of Contents

Preface
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

What People are Saying About This

Jacob Katz

Jeremy Cohen displays remarkable expertise in the history of both the Jews and the friars. As a result he can offer a convincing solution to an important problem in medieval Jewish history—the transition from the relative tolerance of the Church towards Jews in the early Middle Ages to the growing intolerance starting in the thirteenth century, which led to the expulsion of the Jews from country after country.

Editorial Reviews

Cohen 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

Cohen 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"

From the Publisher

"Jeremy Cohen displays remarkable expertise in the history of both the Jews and the friars. As a result he can offer a convincing solution to an important problem in medieval Jewish history—the transition from the relative tolerance of the Church towards Jews in the early Middle Ages to the growing intolerance starting in the thirteenth century, which led to the expulsion of the Jews from country after country."

Jacob Katz