Juifs et néophytes en Provence (1469-1525)

A study of Jews and neophytes in Provence, organized around the life of Régine Abram (1469-1525), a Jew who converted in 1472 and took the name Catherine Sicolesse. Examines various types of conversions. Mentions some forced conversions even under King René (1460-80), who declared himself a protector of the Jews. Pp. 107-121 deal with the changed policy towards the Jews, anti-Jewish riots, and expulsions between 1481-1500, following the incorporation of Provence into the kingdom of France. As a result of riots in Arles, Salon, and Tarascon between 1484-88, ca. 50 Jews converted. Examines Jewish reactions to local expulsions between 1493-96 and the global ban on Jews in 1500. Pp. 179-230 discuss the wave of "last recourse" conversions between 1501-25. Estimates that half of the Jewish community in Aix (the largest community in Provence) went into exile and half converted. Neophytes made up a microcosm of their own in Provence all through the 16th century. Special taxes imposed on them in 1503 and 1521 contributed to this.