This wide-ranging narrative explores the role that Jews; Conversos; and Crypto-Jews played in settling and building the Atlantic world between 1500 and 1800. Through the interwoven themes of markets; politics; religion; culture; and identity; the essays here demonstrate that the world of Atlantic Jewry; most often typified by Port Jews involved in mercantile pursuits; was more complex than commonly depicted. The first section discusses the diaspora in relation to maritime systems; commerce; and culture on the Atlantic and includes an overview of Jewish history on both sides of the ocean. The second section provides an in-depth look at Jewish mercantilism; from settlements in Dutch America to involvement in building British; Portuguese; and other trading cultures to the dispersal of Sephardic merchants. In the third section; the chapter authors assess the roles of identity and religion in settling the Atlantic; looking closely at religious conversion; slavery; relationships among Jews; Christians; and Muslims; and the legacy of the lost tribes of Israel. A concluding commentary elucidates the fluidity of identity and boundaries in the formation of the Atlantic world.Featuring chapters by Jonathan Israel; Natalie Zemon Davis; Aviva Ben-Ur; Holly Snyder; and other prominent Jewish historians; this collection opens new avenues of inquiry into the Jewish diaspora and integrates Jewish trade and settlements into the broader narrative of Atlantic exploration.
#993158 in Books Johns Hopkins University Press 1999-06-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x .43 x 8.50l; 1.05 #File Name: 0801862280152 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. As close as you'll come to "being there".By Vox HumanaIf you trip over this book by accident; you might think it is of no interest to you. Think again. Think of everyday life: How are homes built? How do they make glass? How do carpenters make beautiful cabinetwork? Why should Paul Revere be more famous for his silversmith work than for his "Midnight Ride"? What were the handwork origins of frying pans? Bookbinding? Shipbuilding? That; and countless other things are beautifully and understandably described (with superb black and white drawings) in this book. This classic can actually fire up interests in yourself you never knew you had. Most highly recommended!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must-have book for colonial historians and re-enactorsBy CustomerAwesome book. A must-have for anyone interested in colonial American history or who is serious about becoming a colonial re-enactor.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Edwin Tunis was an American Original...By Georgio55I positively loved these books and their illustrations when I was a kid. These books are timeless and as relevant now as they were 45 or more years ago when I read then as a kid.
