Divrei Ha’yamim L’Malchei Tzarphath [“History of the Kings of France and of the Ottoman Turks”- history]

HA’KOHEN, JOSEPH BEN JOSHUA

Tobias Foa-Cornilius Adelkind

(Sabbionneta)

1554

FIRST EDITION.

Vinograd, Sabionneta 12; Haberman, Adelkind 117; not in Adams.

Despite a title that limits itself to the Royalty of France and the Ottomans, Ha’kohen’s work is in fact a universal history for more than a millennia - from the foundation of the Frankish kingdom by Clovis at the end of the 5th Century to the year 1550. The Empires of France and Turkey are utilized as symbols of the Christian and Mohammedan worlds and Ha’kohen chronicles all significant events that transpired in both spheres of influence during that period. Nevertheless, almost half the work is devoted to contemporary history- covering the years of 1520-50, in painstaking detail. He provides a detailed narrative of the first three crusades and the resulting occupation of Palestine by the Christians. The Author reports the important incidents in the life of his own people during his life- time. He gives interesting accounts of the deeds of David Reubeni, whom he regards as nothing more than an adventurer; although was more impressed by Solomon Molcho. Ha’kohen’s account of the Marrano turned mystic suggests that although Molcho never publicly proclaimed Messiahship, he secretly entertained such notions. See M. Waxman, vol. II pp. 474-6.