Introduction

The Introduction explores, in broad strokes, the nature of the relationship between Jews and Muslims over the past several centuries. It suggests that the frame we use to characterize the relationship often predetermines the results reached. It suggests the approach taken in the volume, one that avoids the extremes of romanticism on the one hand and fear-mongering on the other. It suggests as a model for analysis the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity developed by scholars at the other end of late antiquity.