Jews in the early modern English imagination : a scattered nation /

Based on travel writings, religious history and literature, this title explores the encounter between English travellers and the Jews. While literary and religious traditions created an image of Jews as untrustworthy, even sinister, travellers came to know them in their many and diverse communities with rich traditions and intriguing life-styles.Includes bibliographical references and index.Locating the Jews. Maps of captivity, dispersion and wandering. In the ghetto, on the mountain top. Inside the synagogue. Observing the religion of the Jews. Sacred texts, cursed fables. Worship and wild gestures. Circumcision. Domestic duties, devotions, and ceremonies. Framing Jewish bodies and souls. Bodies distinctively apparelled. Looks, shapes and sizes. A Jew within. "Mercuriall wits" and "violent passions."Based on travel writings, religious history and literature, this title explores the encounter between English travellers and the Jews. While literary and religious traditions created an image of Jews as untrustworthy, even sinister, travellers came to know them in their many and diverse communities with rich traditions and intriguing life-styles.Locating the Jews -- Maps of captivity, dispersion and wandering -- In the ghetto, on the mountain top -- Inside the synagogue -- Observing the religion of the Jews -- Sacred texts, cursed fables -- Worship and wild gestures -- Circumcision -- Domestic duties, devotions, and ceremonies -- Framing Jewish bodies and souls -- Bodies distinctively apparelled -- Looks, shapes and sizes -- A Jew within -- "Mercuriall wits" and "violent passions."