270 Popes and Jews, 1095–1291
A subsidiary but important aim of this book has been to highlight the com-
plexity and richness of medieval Christian and Jewish law, theology, and rhetoric.
It is my deepest wish that as well as being a contribution to Jewish history and to
the history of the papacy at the time of its greatest political power and influence, it
will forward our understanding of the history of Italy, of the crusades, and more
widely of Europe’s cultural and religious heritage.