Pilosity, Prejudice, and Passion in The Tale of Old Bearded Achbor by Yaakov ben El'azar of Toledo
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A01=Tovi Bibring
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Author_Tovi Bibring
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Category1=Non-Fiction
Category=DS
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Category=JBSL
Category=JBSR
Category=JFSL
Category=JFSR1
Color Symbolism
Comparative Literature
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Hebrew Literature
Hypocrisy
Jewish Folklore
Language_English
Medieval Folklore
Medieval Literature
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Price_€50 to €100
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Yaakov ben El'azar
Product details
- ISBN 9781666949315
- Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
- Publication Date: 10 Jul 2025
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
- Language: English
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In Pilosity, Prejudice, and Passion in The Tale of Old Bearded Achbor by Yaakov ben El’azar of Toledo, Tovi Bibring argues that behind the restless parody and the sour tone of the tale, lies a fierce discourse of hate toward the Other, incarnated as a black woman, as well as an insistent alarm regarding the threat of assimilation. Following an enticing fully annotated translation of an overwhelming medieval Hebrew composition featuring a pathetic sermon, a hedonist feast, a love liaison, violent shaming, and murder, Bibring artfully explores their significances through a variety of chapters. From highlighting how hair symbolism and color symbolism construe dangerous prejudices, to suggesting that Achbor is a symbolic incarnation of a new Balaam, the author, through close-readings of selected excerpts, draws connections to the broader medieval and classical context. By highlighting possible literary correspondences, she sheds insightful light on this mysterious tale. This book stands as a testament to the richness of medieval European Hebrew culture, making it a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Tovi Bibring is associate professor and chair of the Department of French Culture at Bar-Ilan University.
