SCHUDT, JOHANN JAKOB. Jüdischer Merkwürdigkeiten [“Jewish Curiosities.”]

Rare First Edition of Collection of Frankfurtiana. Despite the author’s prejudices, “Jewish Curiosities” is a valuable source of information on the Jews in Germany. Schudt, a German orientalist, was inspired to write this chronicle following the great fire of the Frankfurt Ghetto in 1711. It is particularly comprehensive in relation to Frankfurt Jewry in detailing local custom and way of life. The author also discusses the state of Jewry in other parts of Europe, as well as Africa, Asia and the United States of America. Part III contains several distinctive Judeo-German texts including: Megillas Vinz (Das Vinz Hantz Lied) by Elchanan ben Abraham Helin, commemorating the delivery of Frankfurt Jewry from Vincent Fettmilch (pp. 9-35); the comedy "Achashverosh Spiel" (p.202-225), published in 1708; and the drama "Mechirath Yoseph" ("Die Verkauffung Josephs") ["The Kidnapping of Joseph] (pp. 226-327). Also contained in Part III is the legislation pertaining to the Jews of Frankfurt: Der Juden zu Franckfurth Stättigkeit und Ordnung (pp.119-198), complete with the pictures of the Jews' hats (p.127) and "Der Juden Zeichen" (the Jew Mark), the badge Jews were forced to wear on their clothing (p.155)