Overview

Containing nearly two million words in 37 volumes, the Talmud covers topics as diverse as law, faith, medicine, magic, ethics, sex, humour and prayer. It is a highly complex, profoundly logical and frequently impenetrable work with a history like no other. In its 1500 year history the Talmud has been banned, censored and burned, dissected by scholars and rabbis, probed by philosophers, poets, republicans and kings.In The Talmud: A Biography, Harry Freedman tells the engrossing story of an ancient classic, the legal and mystical pillar of Judaism and recounts the story of a book which, in many ways, parallels the history of the Jewish people. From its origins as a record of discussions amongst scholars in towns and villages close to modern-day Baghdad, Freedman traces the spiralling paths of the Jewish diaspora and explores the story of the Talmud's early origins in Babylon, its role during the Enlightenment and its influence over traditional Judaism. A compelling fusion of law, storytelling and spirituality, the Talmud's story is a fascinating insight into the history of Judaism and Harry Freedman's The Talmud: A Biography is a remarkable account of one of the most important cultural, historical and religious works of our time.

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9781916002302

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Reviews

Freedman's style of presentations is never tedious: Times Literary Supplement Freedman writes with evocative brio: Wall Street Journal Masterful and engaging introduction to the history of the Talmud: Publishers Weekly A pithy, well-informed study: Catholic Herald Impressive research: Kirkus An abundance of welcome historical information and anecdotes: Moment Magazine A complex and important story told in clear, non-academic language: Historical Novels Review Scholarly and entertaining Spectator Tremendous Fun Catholic Herald

Author Information

Harry Freedman writes books on cultural and religious history. With degrees in Philosophy, Psychology, an MA in Jewish Studies and a PhD in an Aramaic translation of the Torah he has had a career full of variety and change. In the early 1970s he opened the first wholefood restaurant in the West County. Since then he has run companies in property, construction, health care and consultancy and worked as a chief executive in the Jewish community. Apart from writing he now coaches people to help them make the most of their careers. He lives in London with his wife Karen, has two grown up children, two step children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren. His website and blog is at is www.harryfreedmanbooks.com.

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