Category Archives: Publications

New Book: Solomonic Magic. Methodology, Texts, and Histories by Gal Sofer

Solomonic magic has captivated imaginations for centuries, yet its definition remains elusive. Is it a specialized branch linked to King Solomon, or a broader classification of practices attributed to him? This book explores the mysterious world of demon subjugation, examining previously unknown texts in multiple languages (Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and more) to reveal the historical evolution of this magical tradition. Divided into three parts, the book presents analyses of key manuscripts and examines the historical influence of Hebrew texts on later traditions. Featuring many unpublished manuscripts, this book challenges previous scholarly assumptions and offers a new perspective on the textual network that shaped medieval and early modern magical works.

In 2021, Gal Sofer reported on his research here on the blog: Researcher of the Week in September 2021.

The Art of Weaving and the Art of Embroidery: Jewish Women’s Professions in a Medieval European Perspective

Read this new piece by Elisheva Baumgarten, “The Art of Weaving and the Art of Embroidery: Jewish Women’s Professions in a Medieval European Perspective,” in: Von unbequemen Dominikanern, organisierten Handwerkern und gefertigten Dingen. Festschrift für Sabine von Heusinger zum 60. Geburtstag, ed. Julia Bruch, Eva-Maria Cersovsky, and Andreas Lehnertz. Mittelalter. Interdisziplinäre Forschung und Rezeptionsgeschichte, Beihefte 5.2, pp. 71–80, DOI: https://doi.org/10.26012/mittelalter-34532.

New thematic issue of Aschkenas 35 (2025): Jewish Moneylending and Documentary Culture in the Middle Ages, featuring the work of many of our board members!

Thematic Issue: Jewish Moneylending and Documentary Culture in the Middle Ages I (part II to follow in issue 2.2025)

Ed. by Eveline Brugger, Dean A. Irwin und Birgit Wiedl 

CONTENTS:

Continue reading New thematic issue of Aschkenas 35 (2025): Jewish Moneylending and Documentary Culture in the Middle Ages, featuring the work of many of our board members!