Review: From Anti-Judaism to Anti-Semitism, Ancient and Medieval Christian Constructions of Jewish History, by Robert Chazan
Anthony Smart
Robert Chazan, From Anti-Judaism to Anti-Semitism, Ancient and Medieval Christian Constructions of Jewish History . Cambridge New York: University Press, 2016. 253 + xvi pp. ISBN 9781107152465. $30.99 (paperback).

At the Council Clermont in November 1095 Pope Urban II called west war. His speech was acerbic vitriolic, religiously charged filled with alleged horrors suffered by Christians living east. It evoked his audience a zeal spirit that would be seen later generations as crusading ideal. However, it also exposed inherent political fragility, deep seated racial biases, amongst elements audience, upon those who took up cross name Christ. April July 1096 Ashkenazic Jews Speyer, Worms Mainz were targeted these forces, facing either forced conversion or death. is worryingly easy see anti-Jewish sentiment central Middle Ages. But not enough simply accept it, nor appropriate medieval Christianity consistent core what become anti-Semitism. The reality course much more complex shifting than such generalized image dictate. Those People's Crusade attacked communities engaging rhetoric teaching, but exposing social fear resentment. turned one another for help, looked episcopal authority curb horrific violence armed pilgrims local townsfolk stood them.

A study links origins manifestation anti-Semitism modern period both welcome necessary. Chazan asks challenging …
Studies in late antiquity