'A much needed distillation of the fruits of scholarship on the Jews in the Crown of Aragon . . . conveys a sense of the variety and creativity of the Jewish experience in the Middle Ages, and of Jewish history as viewed from the inside . . . an essential book for anyone interested in Jewish life in medieval Spain, or in medieval Europe.' Elka Klein, Medieval Review'A most welcome book, solidly based on vast documentation. It crowns several decades of work by the author in these sources . . . it offers the reader a richly textured understanding of the real context of Jewish life in Iberia during this period.' David J. Wasserstein, Mediterranean Historical Review 'Solidly based on both Jewish and non-Jewish sources . . . The picture that emerges from this monumental work does indeed contain many of the elements of a "Golden Age" . . . [contributes] significantly to our understanding of some vibrant Jewish communities which have often been neglected . . . is to be lauded . . . excellent and valuable.' John Edwards, Journal of Jewish Studies'Significant contribution to medieval Jewish history . . . absorbing and enlightening reading . . . One finishes the book with a satisfying impression of Jewish life in medieval Catalonia and Aragon.' Leila Arvin, Jewish Book WorldThe medieval Crown of Aragon reached the peak of its power and influence in the thirteenth century, and Jews took an active part in this expansion. In this detailed and meticulously researched study Yom Tov Assis deals with many important aspects of this period, which was truly a 'Golden Age' in the history of Aragonese and Catalan Jews, both in terms of their relationship with the Crown and of their own cultural achievements.