The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

Moses Maimonides (Author), Shlomo Pines (Translator), Leo Strauss (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1974

This monument of rabbinical exegesis written at the end of the twelfth century has exerted an immense and continuing influence upon Jewish thought. Its aim is to liberate people from the tormenting perplexities arising from their understanding of the Bible according only to its literal meaning. This edition contains extensive introductions by Shlomo Pines and Leo Strauss, a leading authority on Maimonides.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; First Edition edition (December 15, 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226502317
• ISBN-13: 978-0226502311
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsurpassed translation of an unsurpassed classic, July 27, 2001

By 

Avid reader (Jerusalem) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

No one can deny that the Guide is the most important single work in the history of Jewish philosophy. Until this translation appeared it was available either in the original Arabic, a medieval Hebrew translation (difficult even for native Hebrew speakers) or in an unacceptable English translation (Friedlander). This translation is wonderful and if at times it is difficult it is because it tries to copy the ambiguities of the original. The only thing I could say against the edition is that the introductions of Pines (somewhat) and Strauss (totally) are idiosyncratic and not so helpful for the reader who does not share their views on Maimonides/

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Less perplexed, more questions, June 2, 2006

By 

Scott Walker (Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Vol. I, part 1

The "guide" is a key to unlock doors (why would this be so hidden from us?). "This will be a key permitting one to enter places the gates to which were locked." All difficulties will not be removed though. The "guide" will help clear doubt and difficulty with bible passages, help us discern between the literal and the figurative, and help in finding the meaning in the parables.

I am now less perplexed, although have more questions. Maimonides, through his great mind, takes us into a spiritual journey of the Old Testament. Bringing forth his and the Sages interpretation of the intentions behind the bibles original early writings; it's prophetic revelation. Moses was a Jew who lived in the twelfth century. I presume he was considered one of the Sages, (men of knowledge; clarify all that is obscure) for he refers to them often. He also compares Aristotle's thinking amidst certain chapters. But he allows himself to fall into Aristotle's and other philosopher's world views. This wonderful book cannot be just read, for it demands study to be fully absorbed.

I read volume II first; this can be done, but I don't recommend it. A large part of this book is donated to "how to use the guide" and Maimonides philosophic influences. The book is divided into seventy-six short progressing chapters. Each one blends well into the next, ensuring he is well understood. This is the newest translation. It helps correct the Aramaic and Hebrew verses wrongly translated by others. Not a book written by a philosopher-but "a Jewish book written by a Jew for Jews"; for the two are not compatible. The "guide" is donated to understanding the "secrets of the Law": Secret teaching for the elite, public teaching for the vulgar (ignorant); so like the bible, the "guide" is meant for beginners and expert (more so) alike. The "guide" liberates us from the perplexities of understanding the bible only according to its literal meaning.

Moses' deliberate learned self-contradiction may seam to disrupt the flow; it does not. Paganism, magic, and superstitions must be removed, allowing for real scientific knowledge. At times he goes off on tangents, after misdirecting us, then eventually gets back on track. I find him to be not always forthright. He was just a man--an amazing man. We must also pick up our bibles along with a good concordance, for Maimonides denied our Lord Jesus Christ.


Vol. II, part 2 and 3

The book is divided into fifty four short progressing chapters. Each one blends well into the next, making sure he is well understood. Some major areas that are dwelt upon: The spheres, forces, motion, matter, governance, world created in time; Angels; overflow; eternity of the world; prophets; Will; Idolatry; providence; Evil; Laws; perfection; wisdom...

God is very near to everyone who calls,
If he calls truly and has no distractions;
He is found by every seeker who searches for Him,
If he marches toward Him and goes not astray.

Wish you well
Scott

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I would like to correspond with other readers of "Guide", May 14, 2003

By 

Jack Kessler (El Cerrito, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Rambam knocks me over. This is an amazing work. This is one of the most important books in any language. This translation by Pines is excellent, clear, simple, unobtrusive, and has just the right small amount of clarifying notes.

The Guide clearly should be studied with others. I would like to discuss each chapter with other people as we read (and maybe re-read) them. My email address is my firstnamelastname at yahoo dot com.