SCHUDT, JOHANN JAKOB. Jüdischer Merkwürdigkeiten

(GERMANY)

Samuel Tobias Hocker, etc.

Frankfurt and Leipzig

1714-18

FIRST EDITION. Four parts bound in two volumes. Frontispiece portrait of the author and engraved plates including the rare “Juden-Sau” (missing in most copies). Text illustrations. Numeous passages in Hebrew and Yiddish

Freimann 222; Rubens 1364-8

Despite the author’s prejudices, “Jewish Curiosities” is a valuable source of information on the Jews in Germany. Schudt (1664-1722), 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 the world.