Codex Maimuni : Moses Maimonides' Code of law. The illuminated pages of the Kaufmann Mishneh Torah.

Cloth, folio, 48 cm, 171 pp, ills, facs (some colour). From the prologue: " The Mishneh Torah, a unique creation which was to change the entire landscape of Rabbinic literature, reflects the comprehensiveness and originality, magnetism and fascination of Maimonides' (Rambam) religious-spiritual-intellectual œuvre. Maimonides' life-work was a judicious interpretation and systematic presentation of Jewish belief and practice. Passionately, persistently and persuasively, he espoused a sensitised view of religion and morality, demanding a full and uncompromising but inspired and sensitive observance of the Law; he urged a commitment to and quest for wisdom and spirituality. His writing, meticulous and yet monumental, sought to combine religious tradition with philosophic understanding to show Jews how to integrate the thought of eternity with the life of temporality. A careful reading of the Mishneh Torah ("The Repetition of the Law") makes it evident that tins remarkably comprehensive, lucid, carefully-arranged code - the flower of Jewish jurisprudence - provides a full and almost polychromatic reflection of the Rambam's unified preoccupation with Jewish law (Halakah) and its philosophic-spiritual ideas and forces. While codifying the entire law, even those parts temporarily in abeyance, it also covers everything from the beginning to the end, from creation to the messianic era and the hereafter. It contains many philosophical ideas, theological principles, and rationalistic directives, comments on the history of religion and prophecy, science and medicine, and a full ethical system. It also has frequent ethical digressions and interpolations.". Very Good in Very Good dustwrapper. …