The Guide of the Perplexed, Volume 2

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.

This is volume one of a two volume set, so be sure to get both volumes. Volume one contains two interpretive essays, one by Leo Strauss and one by the translator, the former alone making this translation worthy of purchase, according to the Times Literary Supplement. Maimonides' work itself is an intentionally tangled web of reason, and casual readers will likely leave disappointed with its obscure style. Maimonides assumes a great deal of Scriptural knowledge and a familiarity with the most important commentators of his time. Nevertheless, for those willing to put in the effort both in learning the fundamentals of religion and in exploring an almost endless maze of logic, Maimonides will sketch the outlines of his view of philosophy and faith.

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/

There is no translation of Maimonides' Guide which compares to this, and, although Pines is known to side more with the Strausian school, his views are rarely if at all worked into this translation. For Maimonidian studies, this is a must buy.