Jews in Medieval Britain: Historical, Literary and Archaeological Perspectives

Between 1066 and their expulsion in 1290, Jews held a key but precarious niche in medieval Britain. Although scholarship on Anglo-Jewish communities has been under-represented compared to that on other European Jews for reasons that she explains, Skinner (arts and humanities, Swansea U.) notes that England was unique in having a government agency specifically devoted to Jewish fiscal affairs. Contributors draw on such primary sources and material culture in tracing the historigraphy of British Jews and anti-Semitism. The 2003 edition was based on a meeting held at the University of Southampton in 2000. This edition includes a map of Anglo-Jewish communities in the 12th century, case studies and new evidence regarding them. Boydell Press is an imprint of Boydell & Brewer. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Accounts of specific communities and themes build to a comprehensive picture of Jews in England C11 - C13.
Britain's medieval Jewish community arrived with the Normans in 1066 and was expelled from the country in 1290. This is the first time in many years that its life has been comprehensively examined for a student and general readership. Beginning with an introduction setting the medieval British experience into its European context, the book continues with three chapters outlining the history of the Jews' presence and a discussion of where they settled. Further chapters then explore themes such as their relationship with the Christian church, Jewish women's lives, the major types of evidence used by historians, the latest evidence emerging from archaeological exploration, and new approaches from literary studies. The book closes with a reappraisal of one of the best-known communities, that at York. Drawing together the work of experts in the field, and supported by an extensive bibliographical guide, this is a valuable and revealing account of medieval Jewish history in Britain. Patricia Skinner is a Wellcome Research Fellow in the College of Arts and Humanities, Swansea University. Contributors: ANTHONY BALE, SUZANNE BARTLETT, PAUL BRAND, BARRIE DOBSON, JOHN EDWARDS, JOSEPH HILLABY, D.A. HINTON, ROBIN MUNDILL, ROBERT C. STACEY.