Judaism : a historical presentation / Isidore Epstein
1959, 1st Edition. Harmondsworth, Middlesex ; Baltimore, Md. : Penguin Books. Good paperback copy; edges somewhat dust-dulled and nicked. Remains quite well-preserved overall. Item #329470
Physical description: 348 pages; 19 cm. Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-332) and index. Summary: A short but comprehensive account of Judaism presented against a background of the 4,000 years of Jewish history extending from the westward migration of Abraham, the progenitor of the Jewish people, to the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Traces the rise, growth, and development of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism, as well as of its hopes, aspirations and ideals. Also discusses the spiritual movements and influences which have helped to shape the Jewish religion and its varied manifestations, and describes the contributions made in turn by a succession of prophets, legislators, priests, psalmists, sages, rabbis, philosophers and mystics, by which Judaism has come to be the living religious force it is today. In the treatment of its themes the book strives to maintain a balance between the factual and the interpretative, and aims throughout at clarity and simplicity in presentation and exposition. Contents: The beginnings -- Israel's selection -- The Torah -- Israel's defection -- National and religious disruption : the tragic kingdom of Israel -- The kingdom of Judah : its rise and fall -- The prophets -- Priests and psalmists -- The 'Wise men' -- The judean theocratic state -- The second Hebrew commonwealth -- The Jewish National Spiritual Centre -- The Talmud in the making -- Talmudic judaism (i) : its faith -- Talmudic judaism (ii) : ethics and virtue -- Talmudic judaism (iii) : religious observances -- The consolidation of Talmudic judaism -- Jewish philosophy -- Jewish mysticism : the Kabbalah -- The contribution of medieval rabbinism -- Modern movements in judaism -- The jewish state and judaism. Subjects: Judaism History. Judaism. Jews Civilization. Judaism Introductions. Jews. Jewish philosophy History. Multi-faith. Genre: Bibliography. History. Text. Language. English.
Price: €10.95