After the Bible, the Passover haggadah is the most widely read
classic text in the Jewish tradition. More than four thousand
editions have been published since the late fifteenth century, but
few are as exquisite as the Washington Haggadah, which resides in
the Library of Congress. Now, a stunning facsimile edition
meticulously reproduced in full color brings this beautiful
illuminated manuscript to a new generation.
Joel ben Simeon, the creator of this unusually well-preserved
codex, was among the most gifted and prolific scribe-artists in the
history of the Jewish book. David Stern s introduction reconstructs
his professional biography and situates this masterwork within the
historical development of the haggadah, tracing the different forms
the text took in the Jewish centers of Europe at the dawn of
modernity.
Katrin Kogman-Appel shows how ben Simeon, more than just a
copyist, was an active agent of cultural exchange. As he traveled
between Jewish communities, he brought elements of Ashkenazi
haggadah illustration to Italy and returned with stylistic devices
acquired during his journeys. In addition to traditional Passover
images, realistic illustrations of day-to-day life provide a rare
window into the world of late fifteenth-century Europe.
This edition faithfully preserves the original text, with the
Hebrew facsimile appearing in the original right-to-left
orientation. It will be read and treasured by anyone interested in
Jewish history, medieval illuminated manuscripts, and the history
of the haggadah.
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