Geonica. 2 Vols.
New York: The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, 1909. First edition. Hardcover. Large Octavo. xii, 210, 425pp. Original cloth-backed green boards with black lettering on cover and spine. 1. The Geonim and Their Halakic Writings, and 2. Ginezah Studies. "The centuries between the final redaction of the Talmud and the beginning of Jewish culture in the West is one of the most obscure periods in the history of the Jews of post-Biblical times. If we regard the literary productiveness of a people as the only standard by which to measure its culture, then we must confess that this was a period of decline; the Geonic epoch has not brought forth one monumental work. Yet, a period which has produced such powerful religious movements as Karaism and mysticism, and has for the first time made a serious attempt to harmonize Hellenism with Talmudic Judaism cannot be considered as stagnant." Light wear along edges and spine of first, some small chips at spine and edges of second volume. Second volume with bumps at lower right corner of front cover and some staining along foredge and lower left back cover. Ex Libris on inside front cover and previous owner's name inked to front free endpapers of both volumes. Foredge and lower edge of both volumes uncut. Bindings in overall good, interior in very good condition. g to vg. Item #40038
Price: $150.00