Dense and, for me, a relatively new student of Judaism/particularly Jewish philosophy, often difficult. The fact that it was translated from the German (by someone other than Heschel) doesn't help, in part because the writing simply can't live up to Heschel's often extraordinary prose. Also, the names of the sources have not been translated in the notes. But! Interesting, and it did help bring me into both the intellectual and political worlds of medieval Jewish communities, and the mind of the young Abraham Heschel. Not infrequently more worshipful than seems useful to me. ( )

A very slow book to read because it has so many interesting concepts to mull over before reading the next page. It also explores the inter-related communities in the 12th century, and the communication between philosophers. ( )

NO OF PAGES: 273 SUB CAT I: Great Jewish Thinkers SUB CAT II: Biography SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: Using Maimonides's writings and a wealth of research, Heschel has fashioned the moving story of the great medieval philosopher and has evoked the passion and richness of Jewish life amid the colors and spectacles of the Arabic civilization of 12th century Spain. Heschel has also undertaken a careful critique of Maimonides's thought, focusing on his conflict with Aristotelian tradition and on his magnum opus, The Guide for the Perplexed. This sympathetic biography is an essential aid to the study of Maimonides and his influence on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.NOTES: SUBTITLE: The Life & Times of the Great Medieval Jewish Thinker

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