Jewish Inscriptions of Western Europe: Volume 1, Italy (excluding the City of Rome), Spain and Gaul

Description

Although there was a substantial Jewish population in Western Europe from at least the first century BC, literary evidence for it before the end of the sixth century AD is very sparse, amounting to a few mainly hostile references by Roman writers and some material of doubtful historical value in rabbinic and hagiographic sources. Knowledge of the Jewish communities of the West is therefore almost entirely dependent on inscriptions, which contain information on community organisation, the use of biblical texts and religious symbols, linguistic habits, naming practices and social status, and burial customs and beliefs about life after death. This volume, the first of a two volume work, provides ready access to the Jewish inscriptions from Italy and the islands, Spain, France and Germany. Volume 2 concentrates on the inscriptions of the City of Rome. Hitherto it has been necessary to consult specialist publications to gain a complete picture of the inscriptions: this book fills a notable gap in the market.

"This two-volume title presents virtually the only primary source material for most of the initial millenium of the history of Western European Jewry. And this work is far more comprehensive than all its predecessors...the most thorough and up-to-date treatment...The book reveals a thoughtful awareness of the ancient history and modern excavations of the sites, as well as a detailed historical knowledge of the history of research and interpretation of the inscriptions in this book...His presentation of evidence is clear and judicious, based on painstaking research. His is skilllful and thorough in pointing out (continued) difficulties, ambiguities, and possibilities without forcing solutions, resolutions, or proofs...Reading such work is a scholar's delight...The book is extremely well organized...This work has advanced far beyond its predecessors in many ways, and therefore is indispensable for research in this era, whether in Jewish history, ancient Western European history, or inscriptional study. All who use this primary source material are now heavily indebted to David Noy's superb research and illuminating presentation." Lawrence J. Mykytiuk, Perdue University, SHOFAR