Frommann-holzboog Johannes Reuchlin: Briefwechsel. Leseausgabe / Band 2: 1506–1513

In the second volume of the Reuchlin correspondence there are two subjects which stand out among the many, subjects on which Reuchlins fame is largely based: making the Hebrew language accessible and the so-called Jewish book controversy. In 1506, the ‹Rudimenta Hebraica‹; a first Hebrew grammar book, was published. In 1510, Emperor Maximilian commissioned Reuchlin and others to provide an evaluation of the Jewish books. He was opposed to a complete ban and thus was exposed to hostility and persecution. His respect for Jewish tradition was expressed impressively in a letter to Stocker, a doctor in Ulm: »We Latins drink water from the swamp, the Greeks from the river, the Jews from the spring».