The early sixteenth century saw a major crisis in Christian-Jewish relations: the attempt to confiscate and destroy every Jewish book in Germany. This unprecedented effort to end the practice of Judaism throughout the empire was challenged by Jewish communities; and; unexpectedly; by Johannes Reuchlin (1455-1522); the founder of Christian Hebrew studies. In 1510; Reuchlin wrote an extensive; impassioned; and ultimately successful defense of Jewish writings and legal rights; a stunning intervention later acknowledged by a Jewish leader as a ''miracle within a miracle.''The fury that greeted Reuchlin's defense of Judaism resulted in a protracted heresy trial that polarized Europe. The decade-long controversy promoted acceptance of humanist culture in northern Europe and; in several key settings; created an environment that was receptive to the nascent Reformation movement. The legal and theological battles over charges that Reuchlin's positions were "impermissibly favorable to Jews;" a conflict that elicited intervention on both sides from the most powerful political and intellectual leaders in Renaissance Europe; formed a new context for Christian reflection on Judaism. David H. Price offers insight into important Christian discourses on Judaism and anti-Semitism that emerged from the clash of Renaissance humanism with this potent anti-Jewish campaign; as well as an innovative analysis of Luther's virulent anti-Semitism in the context and aftermath of the Reuchlin Affair. This book is a valuable contribution to study of an important and complex development in European history: Christians acquiring accurate knowledge of Judaism and its history.
#199509 in Books 2012-09-01 2012-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x 1.40 x 9.20l; 1.45 #File Name: 0199931143512 pages
Review
5 of 10 people found the following review helpful. The Grand Design:Strategy The US Civil WarBy James N. WerleinThis is a "must read" for the seasoned Civil War History student and our current president. Don Stoker takes you above all the battle and smoke and into the inner logic and strategy of Abraham Lincoln's planning and subsequent execution of the plan of war against the rebel states. This is not a "battle book"; but rather a deep examination of the total war perspective and the actual plan to win it. President Obama would benefit from studying Dr. Stoker's book!1 of 6 people found the following review helpful. The Grand DesignBy Kindle CustomerA very different angle to look a the Civil War from the way some of us were taught in High School; but the way Lincoln and Grant saw it; in my opinion. Great!31 of 45 people found the following review helpful. Why the Cause was LostBy Christian SchlectThis book is strongest when the author gives his informed opinions on the North and South's military and political linkages; those involved with how to win what became the bloody and protracted U.S. Civil War. While it bogs down at times with detailed descriptions of some of the minor movements of competing generals and forces; this account ends with providing the reader a good summary of the strategic forces at work that led to Union victory.This is not a book for those interested in the individual soldier in battle; in the military equipment used in this war; or in the general economics of supporting such large armies. Instead; it is a book that properly evaluates the critical roles in planning and conducting the actual war as played by President Lincoln (effective) and the Confederacy's Jefferson Davis (ineffective); as well as their respective top military staff and field generals.General Sherman had the keenest insight as to how to win: relentlessly destroy what supports the enemy's army and then kill that army.I do think Professor Stoker's understandable focus on grand military strategy gives short shrift to a significant reason why the North ultimately won: its people were fighting for the better political and moral principles.Note for future edition: p.410; "It is very [unlikely instead of likely] that if he had indeed taken the field..."
