Maimonides Reader

Rating:
Summary: Indespensable , but insufficient
Review: I agree witht the other reviewers that this book is the best 1-volume collection of the works of Maimonides. It is especially useful in that it does not only focus on the philosophical magnum opus "Guide of the Perplexed" , but also on the parts of the commentary on the mishnah, occasional letters and especially the legal code Mishneh Torah, of which Twersky brings extensive quotes. Twersky's great contribution to Maimonidean studies was to show how the legal works illustrate many of the religio-philosophical concerns which are reflected in the other works. However, in this anthology , the reader will find it difficult to distinguish between legal statements made by Maimonides as part of the Jewish legal tradition based on Talmudic statements, and texts which are clearly informed by his specific religious philsophy. Perhaps the anthology could have been annonated more fully, especially after Twersky's later book "Introduction to the Code of Maimonides" which devoted much space to that issue, appeared. Perhaps one of Twersky's students could try to produce a synthesis of the two books.

Rating:
Summary: Indespensable , but insufficient
Review: I agree witht the other reviewers that this book is the best 1-volume collection of the works of Maimonides. It is especially useful in that it does not only focus on the philosophical magnum opus "Guide of the Perplexed" , but also on the parts of the commentary on the mishnah, occasional letters and especially the legal code Mishneh Torah, of which Twersky brings extensive quotes. Twersky's great contribution to Maimonidean studies was to show how the legal works illustrate many of the religio-philosophical concerns which are reflected in the other works. However, in this anthology , the reader will find it difficult to distinguish between legal statements made by Maimonides as part of the Jewish legal tradition based on Talmudic statements, and texts which are clearly informed by his specific religious philsophy. Perhaps the anthology could have been annonated more fully, especially after Twersky's later book "Introduction to the Code of Maimonides" which devoted much space to that issue, appeared. Perhaps one of Twersky's students could try to produce a synthesis of the two books.

Rating:
Summary: The best introduction to Maimonides by a living legend
Review: If you are interested in the thought of Moses Maimonides (1138-1204), Judaism's most profound and influential philosopher and one of the most important Medieval thinkers, this must be the place to begin. Professor Twersky of Harvard University, widely acknowledged as the living master of Maimonidean scholarship, has compiled a reader that simultaniously presents the pearls of Maimonidean wisdom (in excellent translation from Hebrew and Arabic) along with extremely readible prefaces and a fine biography and bibliography. Thousands of students of philosophy and religion (of all faiths and backgrounds) have been introduced to the works of Maimonides via Twersky's concise reader. Highly recommended for the scholar and the layperson alike

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Beginning
Review: Not everyone wants to make an in depth study of one of the great minds of Judaism, but needs/wants an introduction.

This book supplies the need.

Excellent translation, nice selection of material, for breadth & depth. Not necessarily what a scholar or rabbinical student in the equivalent of a doctoral thesis defense will need, perhaps, but good for the informed layperson, or even most rabbis.

Rating:
Summary: Surely the best book of its kind.
Review: The late Isadore Twersky's Maimonides Reader remains the best of its sort. Maimonides was the most unique Jewish writer and thinker since Talmudic days. The scope of his writings and influence are immesurable. This book brings many of his writings to the English reader and does an admirable job at that.