The History of Sabatai Sevi, the Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews

The work explores the dramatic rise of Sabatai Sevi, a charismatic 17th‑century figure who proclaimed himself the Jewish Messiah and sparked fervent hope across Ottoman‑controlled communities. Drawing on the vivid eyewitness accounts of John Evelyn and the earlier reports of Sir Paul Rycaut, it reconstructs how Sevi’s claims spread, how merchants and believers alike wagered on his promise of a return to Zion, and how his movement intersected with the political anxieties of Restoration England. The narrative stays close to the original sources, offering listeners a clear picture of the early frenzy that surrounded this controversial leader.

Beyond the immediate drama, the book situates Sevi’s story within the wider currents of European religious thought, English trade interests, and the lingering legacy of Jewish exile. It shows how his movement resonated with contemporary messianic pretenders and how the aftermath left a small, enduring community—the Dönmeh—still discussed today. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of how a single charismatic claim could ripple through cultures, economies, and centuries of belief.