Books by Julie L. Mell

This book challenges a common historical narrative, which portrays medieval Jews as moneylenders who filled an essential economic role in Europe. This book also documents why it is a myth for medieval Europe, and illuminates how changes in Jewish history change our understanding of European history.

Each chapter offers a novel interpretation of key topics, such as the Christian usury campaign, the commercial revolution, and gift economy / profit economy, to demonstrate how the revision of Jewish history leads to new insights in European history.