A Separate Republic portrays the mechanics and dynamics of Venetian Jewish self-government. The relations between the Jewish community and the Venetian republic, the balance of power among the community's ethnic groups, and the connection between the wealthy elite and the reins of communal authority, and the relationship of the lay and rabbinic leadership are the major themes of the book. The study is largely based on the Venetian community's sole surviving record book, the Libro Grande. The complete edited and annotated edition of the Libro Grande is included in this volume.
