Review of Emily Rose, The Murder of William of Norwich: The Origins of the Blood Libel in Medieval Europe (original) (raw)

Emily Rose's review of the historical context surrounding the murder of William of Norwich examines the origins of the blood libel in medieval Europe, particularly in twelfth-century England and France. The book argues that the ritual murder accusations against Jews were not simply the result of mass intolerance, but rather a calculated means for local elites to achieve financial and political gains. Through detailed case studies from various towns, Rose highlights how these accusations served the interests of influential figures, thus providing a deeper understanding of the complex Jewish-Christian relations during this period.