Part of the Jewish Encounter seriesMoses Maimonides was a Renaissance man before there was a Renaissance: a great physician who served a sultan; a dazzling Torah scholar; a community leader; a daring philosopher whose greatest work—The Guide for the Perplexed—attempted to reconcile scientific knowledge with faith in God. He was a Jew living in a Muslim world; a rationalist living in a time of superstition. Eight hundred years after his death; his notions about God; faith; the afterlife; and the Messiah still stir debate; his life as a physician still inspires; and the enigmas of his character still fascinate.Sherwin B. Nuland—best-selling author of How We Die—focuses his surgeon’s eye and writer’s pen on this greatest of rabbis; most intriguing of Jewish philosophers; and most honored of Jewish doctors. He gives us a portrait of Maimonides that makes his life; his times; and his thought accessible to the general reader as they have never been before.
#7015 in Books MacMillan Publishers 2013-09-24 2013-09-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .37 x 1.12 x 6.34l; 1.05 #File Name: 0805098542304 pagesGreat product!
Review
89 of 94 people found the following review helpful. They have done a good job treading the fine line between straight biography and ...By NevenerThis is a very difficult book to review; as you can imagine whenever you read and try to write a review concerning a book about a religious figure. I know that the authors say that this is not a religious book; but instead one that focuses on the humanity of Jesus Christ. They have done a good job treading the fine line between straight biography and religious writing.Of course; the main; and possibly only; source for the life of the Nazarene (as the authors term him) are the four gospels with which most readers are familiar. Interspersed with these writings you will find chapters devoted to Julius Caesar; Cleopatra; Tiberius; and other historical characters. There is a brief; but concise; history of Rome; and short biographies of some of the figures; including Pontius Pilate and the several Herods. It appears that the authors accept the gospel account of the birth in Bethlehem and the visit of the Magi; which led to the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem at the insistence of Herod. There appears to be no historical record for these events except for the gospels; so the reader either takes it at face value or not; depending on his or her beliefs. Also; the sticky question concerning Jesus' siblings is handled somewhat offhandedly; with a note concerning the various theories about who these people were; depending on your particular religion. I do take exception to the mention of Herod's "castle"; a term I don't believe existed at that time; but it's a minor quibble.All things (particularly religious beliefs) considered; the author have done a well thought out job. There is no writing concerning the actual miracles attributed to Jesus; but they are mentioned in the text as news of them spread into the surrounding area; so the authors appear to make no claim to any authenticity. Also; the narrative ends with the crucifixion and burial; and then the discovery of the empty tomb three days later. After that; it's once again news of post death appearances spread by supposed eyewitnesses; with no attempt to state any author belief in whether or not these events actually occurred.Lest I be accused of being some type of sceptic or unbeliever; let me state that; like the authors; I am a practicing Roman Catholic and truly believe that Jesus is who he said he is and that; if I do what is right; he will greet me when I die. Just because I have some doubts about parts of the gospels doesn't mean that my faith is weak. 17 years of Catholic education has kept me strong and will; I trust; lead me to the reward Jesus promised.One last thing. I know that there are many people out there who do not like O'Reilly for his political views and will allow that mind set to lead them to give this book a bad review; even though many of them will not have read it. To those folks I say: read the book and if you don't believe that it's a good book; give it a bad review; but please don't let your political leanings cause you to downgrade the book because of your dislike of the author. There is no politics in this book; and so it shouldn't generate the venom that has accompanied the publication of his other historical works. Bill isn't a historian; but he and his co-author have done their best with a very touchy subject; and I salute their effort0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great series for all to read!By RychefanAwesome!!! Read all of the "Killing..." series and; like Bill or not; these books are incredible! Great way to tell the story and hard to put down. Full of facts and information. A ton of footnotes; but that just adds to the learning!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... the time in history and what it really was like. Have not read whole book yetBy Julie Marie WareThis is history written in a way that you get many details that describe the time in history and what it really was like. Have not read whole book yet; not ready for the killing of Jesus part yet. Julie
