The Guide to the Perplexed
A New Translation
Moses Maimonides author Lenn E Goodman translator Phillip I Lieberman translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Stanford University Press
Published:28th May '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This new translation of The Guide to the Perplexed reveals Maimonides' insights on reconciling faith and reason, making it accessible to modern readers.
A landmark new translation of the most significant text in medieval Jewish thought, The Guide to the Perplexed was originally written in Arabic and completed around 1190. This influential work navigates the complex relationship between religion and science, as well as logic and revelation. Authored by Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides or Rambam, the text is structured as a letter to a disciple. However, its insights extend far beyond a single correspondence, addressing the perplexities faced by anyone trying to reconcile logic, mathematics, and science with biblical and rabbinic traditions.
Maimonides understood the challenges that serious thinkers encountered at the intersection of reason and tradition, which Arabic scholars referred to as 'aql and naql. The primary goal of The Guide to the Perplexed is to explore the mysteries of both physics and metaphysics. For Maimonides, mysteries were not mere puzzles to be admired for their complexity; rather, they were challenges to be addressed and solved. His approach has had a lasting impact on subsequent Jewish thought, influencing rationalists, mystics, and philosophers like Thomas Aquinas and Spinoza.
In this new translation by Lenn E. Goodman and Phillip I. Lieberman, Maimonides' engaging and conversational style is more accessible than ever in English. The extensive commentary provided by the translators offers readers valuable historical context and philosophical insights, allowing for a deeper understanding of what is widely regarded as a cornerstone of medieval Jewish thought. The Guide to the Perplexed remains a vital resource for those seeking to harmonize their religious beliefs with scientific inquiry.
"At long last: an edition of the Guide with a full scholarly apparatus and a sensitivity to the beauty and nuances of the Arabic language. Goodman and Lieberman have gifted us, seasoned scholars and beginner readers alike, with a much-needed rendition of this culturally central text."
—Aaron W. Hughes, University of Rochester
"A magnificent scholarly achievement. Synthesizing the vast research about the production, reception, and interpretation of the Guide and displaying profound knowledge of the history of Western philosophy, this highly readable translation enables contemporary readers to wrestle anew with the perplexity at the heart of Jewish philosophy: how to reconcile human reason and divine revelation."
—Hava Tirosh-Samuelson, Arizona State University
"Maimonides' Guide has been a Jewish classic for over 800 years. This new translation by two leading Arabists is not only highly accurate, but also clear, lively and instructive. Its rich notes, with their discussions of the philosophical issues involved, make Maimonides' philosophy, with its many secrets, accessible to a new generation of readers."
—Daniel J. Lasker, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
"Goodman and Lieberman's translation and commentary sets a new standard for the study of Maimonides. No book presents his masterpiece in a clearer or more thorough manner. Scholarly discussions of Maimonides will be referring to Goodman and Lieberman's contribution for years to come."
—Kenneth Seeskin, Northwestern University
"Goodman and Lieberman's work is a lifetime accomplishment. Had Maimonides himself composed his essay in modern English, he would probably have chosen the style of this version."
—Aharon Maman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
"Combining mastery of Arabic and Hebrew with their intimate knowledge of Medieval Jewish and Islamic philosophy, Goodman and Lieberman have produced a fresh, accurate, and readable translation of the original Arabic of Maimonides' masterpiece. This will be a major contribution to Maimonidean scholarship and an indispensable tool for students of the field."
—Paul B. Fenton, Université Paris-Sorbonne
"Goodman and Lieberman see the conversational style as essential to Rambam's pedagogical project. Therefore, they made preserving the fluidity and emotional register of the book a priority in their translation. The result is a text that is a pleasure to read while containing ample citations and commentary to ensure that the careful student does not venture far from the author's original intent."
—Josh Frankel, Lehrhaus
"[I]f someone wants to study Rambam the rabbi who was also a philosopher, in contrast to Rambam the follower of Aristotle (as he understood him) who pretended to be a rabbi, Goodman and Lieberman are your best guides to the Guide."—Menachem Kellner, Tradition
"Goodman and Lieberman's modern and lucid translation with accompanying footnotes is sure to become the standard English translation for the next generation and beyond.... This translation is highly recommended and belongs on the shelf of every comprehensive Jewish library."—David Tesler, Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews
ISBN: 9780804787383
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
704 pages