Critical Approaches to the Proverbios Morales of Shem Tov de Carrión: An Annotated Bibliography
by John Zemke
The Proverbios morales of the 14th century Spanish poet Shem Tov de Carrión represents a double first in Spanish literary history: the earliest expression of Jewish literary creation in Spanish and a first poetic treatment of the Wisdom genre. This exhaustive bibliography consolidates criticism of Shem Tov's œuvre, and serves as a basic reference for scholars interested in the Proverbios morales. The critical bibliography provides an introduction to his Spanish and Hebrew titles, Ma'aseh ha-Rav (The Rabbi's Tale), Vidui Gadol (Confession on Yom Kippur), Yam Qohelet (Sea of Ecclesiastes), and translation of Israel Israeli's Mitzvot Zemaniyot (Seasonal Duties). Annotated summaries of over two hundred articles, books, notes, reviews, and historical testimony examine fundamental historical, linguistic, literary, philosophical, and poetic issues shaping the critical discussion of his writings. A summary of the current situation in Shem Tov studies together with notes on future lines of inquiry appear in the conclusion. Notes, bibliography, and subject and author indices round out the critical apparatus. This work offers scholars an index and primary guide to trends and developments in Shem Tov criticism through 1994. Professor Alan D. Deyermond characterizes it as: "A most impressive piece of scholarship. It will be, for a long time to come, the starting-point for all scholars working on one of medieval Spain's most important poets."
276 pp.