Cecil Roth (1899, London - 1970, Jerusalem), a renowned Jewish historian and recognized expert in Jewish art, was educated at Oxford University. Initially trained as a general historian with an interest in Italy, Roth soon began to concentrate on Jewish subjects, first as a freelance journalist and lecturer and later as a reader at Oxford University (1939 through 1964).

Upon retiring from Oxford, Roth settled in Jerusalem and was a visiting professor at Columbia University, Queens College of the City University of New York, Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University and Bar Ilan University.

A prolific writer, Roth published more than 600 books and articles, which have been translated into many languages. His popular works include The House of Nasi (two volumes, of which Dona Gracia is the first), A Short History of the Jewish People, The Jewish Contribution to Civilization and The Standard Jewish Encyclopedia. From 1966 until his death in 1970, he served as editor-in-chief of the Encyclopaedia Judaica.