The Rothschild Miscellany is a 15th century illustrated manuscript which documents the origins of Italian Jewry, the oldest Jewish community of the European diaspora. A manuscript facsimile and volume of commentary may be viewed at Hayden Library Special Collections; call-number D-4295.

The original manuscript was produced in the vicinity of Treviso, Italy from 1450 to 1480. Perhaps more appropriately called a "library," the volume contains nearly 40 distinct works within its covers; some complete and others not. Some of the selections were richly illustrated by a Christian artist and reflect the Italian Jews' involvement in the culture of their environment.

Containing a prayer book, Bible commentaries, Hebrew poetry and prose, philosophy and ethics, a calendar and beautiful illustrations, the book is a work of art. Scholars speculate that only a wealthy man could have commissioned a scribe and artist to execute this masterpiece.

One of the most richly illuminated and decorated examples of renaissance Jewish manuscript production the manuscript is decorated with fine detail and vibrant color. No other Hebrew manuscript compares in richness and scope to the illumination of this volume. The facsimile has preserved the manuscript as originally produced with few additions, alterations or interpolations. Only a single written sheet is missing.