Introducing Judaism is the ideal starting point for students beginning their studies of this fascinating religion. Eliezer Segal takes a historical approach; focusing on religious aspects of Judaism; and introducing themes as they emerge from authentic Jewish documents. Students will gain an understanding of how Judaism is lived by its adherents and the historical and geographical diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices. The book has a clear and accessible structure. Part One presents the historical context of Judaism; from the Biblical era; through the Medieval period and on to modern Judaism. Part Two surveys the distinctive values and beliefs of Judaism; including attitudes to God; Covenant; Israel; exile and homeland; the Torah; and its commandments; while Part Three presents Jewish Practices and Institutions; engaging with topics such as daily life; worship; temple and synagogue; law; ethics and education; the afterlife; and resurrection. Throughout the book; Eliezer Segal stresses the diversity of interpretations that have been generated by historical circumstances; differing theological and ideological outlooks; and the spiritual creativity of the religious community. Attention is paid to various models of piety; mysticism; scholasticism and folk religion; including the impact of Judaism on the daily life of believers and the experiences of Jewish women. Illustrated throughout; Introducing Judaism includes text boxes; a glossary; and a list of further reading to aid students’ understanding and revision; providing a thorough overview of one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religions still practiced today. The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415440097.
#1318280 in Books Maria Brosius 2006-05-03 2006-03-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .55 x 5.43l; .73 #File Name: 0415320909240 pagesThe Persians An Introduction
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Relatively bare-bones; yet still quite informativeBy ListoThis is one of those history books that tries most of all to relay a chronological telling of events rather than a breakdown of the society or societies in question. (I find that it's useful to have one of each type; as they are quite complementary.) While the author does touch on some of the academic debates; she does not get bogged down in them and is to be commended for sticking to topic while still informing the reader of the debates-- it is very tempting for writers to come down on one side of a debate when describing it; surely it would be difficult not to!Ok; so why 4 stars? First off; while well written and admittedly an introduction to the topic; it is a very bare-bones treatment of it. Brosius only covers the Achaemenid Persian; Arcasid Parthian; and Sassanid Persian dynasties. Very; very little for the pre-Achaemenid; Seleucid; and early Muslim periods. It's not a big issue; but it is helpful to know some about at least the first two periods I mentioned; and interesting to know about the influence of Persian culture on the nascent Muslim world.For a more academic (and less accessibly written) book on the subject; I strongly recommend Ancient Persia. It's a mixture of thematic and chronological writing; though the author is a bit more opinionated that Brosius. Also informative are Rome and Persia in Late Antiquity: Neighbours and Rivals; which covers the relationship between the Roman/Byzantine and the Sassanid Persian empires. For some background on the pre-Persian Ancient Near East; check out A History of the Ancient Near East ca. 3000 - 323 BC (Blackwell History of the Ancient World); a history that at times is quite mind boggling given the great number of names and the relatively fast telling-- it is useful for understanding the world that the Achaemenids took over.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Best introductory level book to pre-islamic Iranian historyBy DJ PersoThe book goes over three periods of Iranian dynasties before Islam. The Achameneids (550-330); The Parthians(Arscaids) (mid 200's B.C - 220's a.d) and the Sassanids (220's - 640's).Each chapter starts with a full historical survey and moves on to inform of other aspects of society under the rule of those kings. The book examines aspects such as The King and his court; Religion; Nobility; Military; status of women and royal women and etc.It's a good starting point for history enthusiasts; and those with no background on persian history. It's also useful and informative to those students who have never studied ancient Iran in detail.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Why not go back to the beginningBy DrJakeThe ancient world is not so far from the modern world. What do we _ so called educated westerners - know about South West Asia.?? In general; I say squat!!!!! We study Alexander the Great from the Greek point of view and we embrace him as a western icon and hero. The Persians are older; wiser; more advanced and more powerful than Alexander for a longer period of time and yet the average American knows nothing about them. This book is easy to read. It's interesting. It's engaging. If you like history and you specialized too soon; take a trip back in history and read this. Buy it used if you must; but; you may wish to add it to your permanent library.
