Approx. forty official booklets, documents and broadsides documenting the status and rights of the Jews of Mantua. Mantua, mid-16th century to late 18th century. Italian and some Latin.
The Jewish community of Mantua, existing since the late Middle Ages (and according to some assumptions, even earlier), is considered one of the most important Jewish communities in the history of Italy. The community was known for its thriving printing industry and its important contribution to the economy and banking. Offered here is a varied and important collection of documents – printed broadsides and booklets issued by the authorities concerning the Jews, spanning more than one hundred and fifty years and documenting the lives of the Jews during early Modern History. The documents had belonged to Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn and were used by him to write his comprehensive book Toldot HaYehudim BeDukasut Mantova (Jerusalem, 1963-1965).
The collection contains broadsides publishing regulations for the protection of Jews (some of them detailing the prohibitions on harming Jews imposed on the Christian population); a booklet dealing with rights of the Jewish community; a 1612 broadside dealing with the restrictions imposed on Jewish bankers and additional broadsides dealing with monetary and banking issues; three broadsides, printed between 1709 and 1727, refering to the Jewish merchant Abram Vita Fano; a broadside dealing with the rights of Jews who converted to Christianity; and more. Seven broadsides from the 16th century.
Size and condition vary. Good-fair overall condition. Stains, creases and blemishes. Tears and partially open tears (mostly small, to margins).
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.