Maimonides' "guide of the Perplexed"

Alfred L. Ivry is professor emeritus in the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies and the Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at New York University. He is the author, editor, or translator of nine books. Most recently, he edited Averroes's Middle Commentary on Aristotle's "De Anima" in both Arabic and Hebrew critical editions, as well as supplying an English-language translation.

"Ivry has acquired a deep understanding of the cultural contexts and inner logic of the Guide, and there is nothing like this book in dealing exclusively with the most important work of the most significant Jewish philosopher. It is a clear, well-argued, and comprehensive guide."--Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky "A major contribution. Ivry has given us the first complete commentary of Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed since the Middle Ages. His exposition masterfully situates the Guide in its proper historical context and his philosophical analysis critically addresses the issues that it provokes. Readers of the commentary will profit from his close examination of the text and will be stimulated by the philosophical questions that he puts to Maimonides. It is truly a guide to the Guide of the Perplexed."--Seymour Feldman, Rutgers University "This is an authoritative guided tour through the labyrinth of Maimonides' Guide, led by one of its foremost scholars. The ingenious structure of the book effectively introduces the readers to the Guide itself, as well as to the way it was read through the ages. A tribute to Maimonides' 'brave and conflicted figure, ' Ivry's unambiguous yet sensitive exposition of Maimonides' philosophy will be appreciated by beginners and specialists alike."--Sarah Stroumsa, Hebrew University of Jerusalem