History and folklore in a medieval Jewish chronicle : the family chronicle of Aḥima'az ben Paltiel / / by Robert Bonfil.

• Superior document: Studies in Jewish history and culture, v. 22
• Author: Bonfil, Robert.
• Year of Publication: 2009
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Studies in Jewish history and culture ; v. 22.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (420 p.)
• Notes: Includes a vocalized critical edition of the Hebrew text and an English translation of the chronicle.

Composed in Hebrew in Capua, Italy in 1054, the family chronicle of Ahima'az remains one of the most important historical sources of medieval Jewish life, folklore, culture, and mentalités in Western Europe, especially in the so-called Ashkenazi area. As such, it provides a rich resource to scholars of medieval history, cultural studies, gender studies, and anthropology. In this book Robert Bonfil provides a detailed historical introduction and new English translation of the chronicle. Readers knowledgeable in Hebrew will also greatly benefit from the new, vocalized critical edition of the Hebrew text, skillfully set up in front of the translation.

Table of Contents

The text and its context -- Historical setting and narrative structure -- Frameworks of communal life and images of leadership -- Family -- Jews and Christians: magic, sorcery, everyday life, and popular piety.