Robert Chazan's book challenges the prevailing notion that Jews in medieval Christian Europe lived under an appalling regime of limitation, exploitation, and violence. He argues that Jewish life in medieval Western Christendom was an environment rich in opportunities, where Jews overcame obstacles, explored innovative economic options, and fashioned enduring new forms of Jewish living. Chazan's research provides a new perspective on how the medieval experiences of Jews in Europe shaped later events critical to Jewish history. The book also provides a nuanced discussion of the interaction between two cultures, considering the perspectives of both. The page includes links to reviews and additional resources.