Hebrew printing in Prague 1512 - 1672

The aim of the submitted dissertation is to offer a complete bibliographical list of the documented Hebrew and Yiddish production of Prague Jewish printing houses between 1512 and 1672. The list is based on an original and detailed description of the identified editions, including paratexts, types and decorative elements. The introductory synthetic study examines the published production from the viewpoint of its language, contents and genres and the identity of its intended recipients; the motivations of its publishers, as well as their possible orientation towards specific types of texts; the standards, methods and goals of editorial work; the function of rabbinical approbations, protection of publishers rights and control of the published matter by Jewish authorities, and the measure in which the printed body of texts reflects the spiritual and intellectual interests of the readers. The typological and typographical analysis of types and decorative elements serves to attribute the undated and anonymous imprints to specific printing houses and printers, whose complete production is listed and whose activities, social position or economic possibilities are also briefly characterized. An appendix sums up the findings relating to non-Jewish censorship documented in the books themselves. Thanks to..