Abstract
An early fifteenth‐century illuminated manuscript, known also as the Sobieski Book of Hours, is undoubtedly one of the most valuable medieval manuscripts from those currently kept in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. Produced in the workshop of the Master of the Duke of Bedford in Paris between 1420 and 1425, this beautiful manuscript represents a collection of prayers for private devotional use. Somewhat surprisingly, the only exact chronological reference which reflects travels of this unique Christian manuscript is a lengthy Hebrew inscription left on one of its folios in 1683, the time when this manuscript was in the possession of the Polish King John (Jan) III Sobieski. A logical question – why a Jew was allowed to leave a message on a most precious Christian manuscript – has been troubling the minds of scholars in the last few decades. This article is an attempt to solve the mystery of this Hebrew inscription and, furthermore, cast a light on the relations between Polish kings and their Jewish physicians. Special attention is dedicated to the role of Karaite (i.e. non‐Talmudic) physicians and their attitude to Christianity in seventeenth‐century Poland. The article contributes to our understanding of the position of the Jewish community in early modern Polish‐Lithuanian Commonwealth and development of Jewish‐Christian dialogue in Eastern Europe in general.
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