Beautiful Death: Jewish Poetry and Martyrdom in Medieval France » (New Edition)

Susan L. Einbinder is Professor of Hebrew Literature at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati.

"Einbinder uses very impressive tools, and her work is on the cutting edge in Jewish studies. I know of no other book in English that takes this poetry so seriously or that is as successful in integrating the literary, historical, and religious dimensions of the poems."--Marc Saperstein, George Washington University

"Einbinder approaches her subject beautifully and is always aware of the interplay of poetry and history. This is an interdisciplinary work of the first order--one that reads poetic texts as historical texts embodying the changing and developing attitudes of a community. Its subtle analysis also illuminates the complex interaction of Christianity and Judaism."--Thomas Head, Hunter College and The Graduate School, City University of New York

Choice

An impressive examination of the character and function of the poetry of martyrdom commemorating Jews who perished at the hands of their Christian countrymen. . . . Cogent, clearly argued, and inclusive in contextualizing historic, social, cultural, and political materials.... An excellent scholarly work.