Joseph Dan is one of the world's leading authorities on Jewish mysticism. In this superb anthology; Dan not only presents illuminating excerpts from the most important mystical texts; but also delves into the very meaning of mysticism itself. Dan takes readers through the historical development of Jewish mysticism; from late antiquity to the modern period. He explores the Kabbalah; the esoteric tradition that delves into the secrets delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai; the emergence of Hasidism; and much more. He presents the great texts; from Hekhalot Rabbati; "The Greater Book of Divine Palaces;" set in the temple in Jerusalem; to the apocalyptic vision of Abraham Abulafia in the thirteenth century; to the Zohar; perhaps the best-known volume of all. For each piece; he offers an extended introduction that deftly places the work in the context of its time and its antecedents."Mysticism is that which cannot be expressed in words; period;" Dan writes. In this remarkable volume; he guides us through that seemingly impenetrable barrier to show how the inexpressible has been expressed in some of the most profound and challenging writing in existence.
#90397 in Books 1998-11-05Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.30 x .60 x 7.90l; .93 #File Name: 0195124995256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Required reading for a history class; but relatively enjoyable read.By Ronald D. Bruner Jr.Normally I would have never even looked at this book; but it was required for a military history class; so naturally I picked it up here as it was $10 cheaper than the university book store. The book is a deep insight into the mind and daily activities of American Civil War veterans; as told by them through letters and experiences. The author has a clear grasp where he wanted to take this book; and he executed his thesis and point effectively. While I am by no means an expert on Civil War or especially Civil War books; I would expect this book to be on the short list for best books available on the subject. If you are a Civil War buff; you're going to really love this book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Worthy of reading by the those who are interested in finding out the true nature the bloodiest war in American history !!By bbell12For the Civil War buff;anything James McPerson writes is worthy of reading.! If you have an interest in the military aspects of the Civil War from those unpublished letters as recorded by the ordinary participant as opposed to those who published their memoirs;you will find this book most fascinating . If you are not interested in the thoughts and perceptions of those mostly unknown participants who fought and suffered from both sides and were doing the fighting; dying and for some; committing atrocities; then this my not be for you !!! If you want to get a sense of what it was like for the common participant on both sides in the bloodiest war in American history then this is for you0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The life of the common civil war soldierBy Paul SacherA very thorough chronicle about how the common civil war soldier lived; fought and his thinking about the cause he was laying his life on the line for. Stories regarding relatives on different sides fighting against one another; father against son with tragic results; the hardships these indivuals had to bear are mind boggling; no food or water or warm clothing; even shoes in the cold eastern winter months; some troops didn't even have weapons to defend themselves; made primitiv spears to defend themselves; enlightening book about the common soldier who fought in the war between the states ...
