Language:
German
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Daphnis
Angaben zur Quelle:
18,2 (1989) 251-279
Keywords:
Jews History 17th century
;
Antisemitism History 17th century
;
Anti-Jewish propaganda History 17th century
;
Antisemitism in literature
;
German literature History and criticism 17th century
Abstract:
Discusses an antisemitic pamphlet, "Jüden Spiegel", published in 1606 under the pseudonym Vespasianus Rechtanus (possibly the Frankfurt syndic Johannes Baptista Caesar), perhaps in connection with an accusation of treason made to Emperor Rudolf II against the Rhineland Jews for having set up their own Jewish judicial system. In 1606 the Frankfurt town council attempted to halt the Emperor's investigation, fearing that it might lead to anti-Jewish riots, and confiscated the pamphlet, apparently for the same reason. The pamphlet contains court proceedings against a Jewish moneylender, with commentary; a collection of attacks on Jews for blasphemy and usury; the supposed confessions under torture of a convert, detailing Jewish crimes against Christians; and a poem, "Der Jueden Badstub", comparing usury to a steam bath in which the Jews drain the blood from their victims. Throughout, Jewish corruption is presented both as inborn and as transmitted through religion. The pamphlet demands the abolition of Jewish judicial autonomy, thereby linking it to the treason charge.
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