Guide to TheGuide to the Perplexed

Lenn E. Goodman is Professor of Philosophy and Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Vanderbilt University.

• AbbreviationsTwo Notes to the ReaderIntroductionPart I: Building Blocks1. Setting the Scene2. Learning3. Cairo4. A New Life5. BelievingPart II: The Work of the Guide6. Defining the Issues7. ProblematicsPart III: Esoterics8. The Esoteric Style9. Not Philosophy?10. BreadcrumbsConclusion: The Guide TodayNotesBibliography

"With complete mastery of the source languages, professional knowledge of ancient and medieval philosophies, yet equally at home in contemporary philosophical discourse, Lenn E. Goodman is uniquely qualified to present an authoritative survey of Maimonides' achievement. His fluid and eloquent writing delivers Maimonides' deliberations and decisions in a manner accessible to a wide audience."—Tzvi Langermann, Bar-Ilan University "The learning deployed in this book—historical, philosophic, and linguistic—is extraordinary. Guiding one through a brilliant, notoriously difficult text with grace and clarity, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn about Maimonides' life and what he sought to accomplish in the Guide to the Perplexed."—Kenneth Seeskin, Northwestern University "It is no small feat for a book on Maimonides to smoothly blend all these elements: an absorbing biographical narrative, incisive readings of texts, historical context, cultural associations, and an appreciation of Maimonides' perennial relevance—all in an elegant and engaging style. Lenn E. Goodman is indeed a skilled guide to the Guide, and to the man who wrote it."—David Shatz, Yeshiva University "In the Reader's Companion, Goodman provides an exquisitely erudite and succinct biography of Maimonides. He offers a detailed summary of the political, religious, and philosophical winds of the rabbi's time, as well as a review of the Guide's major themes and the scholarly arguments surrounding it. It is essential reading for anyone looking to fully understand the Guide and its author."—Stuart Halpern, Jewish Book Council "[A Guide to the Guide to the Perplexed] promises the English reader the framework and insight necessary to appreciate the depths of The Guide. In this short work, divided into three sections, Goodman explores who Rambam is and what The Guide is about, and he proposes a scaffolding and direction for students to follow as they explore Rambam's instruction."—Josh Frankel, Lehrhaus "Philosophy professor Goodman of Vanderbilt has written a most useful and insightful book."—Shmuel Ben-Gad, Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews