PDF Abraham's Heirs: Jews and Christians in Medieval Europe by Leonard Glick in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting readBy JoelPersonally I was looking for more day to day specifics about what life was like for a Jew during this time period. Specifically what daily life might be like. This was less anthropology and more history. It's basically a historical textbook which isn't what I expected based off the blurb. If you're looking for a history of the Jews in Medieval Europe this is a fantastic book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I was amazed at my own ignoranceBy Harvey S. CohenI teach religious high school; and I thought I knew something about the history of Jews in medieval Europe. "Abraham's Heirs" has broadened my knowledge and understanding to a degree that is simply astonishing. Like all really good histories; this one combines compelling primary sources with a clear overall structure. A great read.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Great books for Graduate Students and serious Undergrads!By Min Byong ChangI was assigned Glick's book by my Medieval History professor Dr. Paul Halsall. I opened the book thinking I knew a lot about the experiences of Jews in France and Germany in Medieval Europe; and what I found was that I was wrong.This book is an excellent book about the cultures of the Jews and the Christians; how these two cultures interacted with each other and how Medieval Jewish culture effects the culture of American Jews; who predominately come from these Ashkenazic Jews.The book is divided chronologically and this division works. It shows the downward spiral pattern of Christian and Jewish interaction that finally hit rock bottom with the expulsion of Jews from France and in England.I especially enjoyed reading about the devistating effects of the Crusades on the Jewish communitites of the Rhine river region. I was amazed to read that many of the higher Church officials tried to protect their neighbor Jews from the angry and violent mobs. Bishops tried hiding Jews; tried baptizing Jews; and showed real sorrow and guilt when Jews in their communities were harmed.I also found the history of the evolution of Christian thought about the Jews very fascinating. The early Christians; who didn't even know they were Christians; clearly saw themselves as religiously Jewish. By the time of the writing of the Gospel of John; this has changed. The Gospel of John is somewhat anti-Jewish. When the Christians began using "rational thinking;" especially with the creation of Universities; they became even more hostile toward the Jews.This book is a definate "must-buy" for any graduate student of European history or any serious undergraduate.