Danziger's biographical sketches of the primary figures in the ancient rabbinic Judaism continue to hold value and interest for today's readers. Written in engaging narrative style, these essays were among the earliest studies in America to reflect the traditions of German Jewish historical scholarship applied to the formative period of Judaism. His notes reflect a sound reading of Jewish sources. In particular, his chapters on Hillel, Akiva and Judah ha-Nasi illuminate how their sharpness of mind and strength of purpose forged the tools for Jewish survival during the next millennia.

[From the flap] "Rabbi Akiba, the learned, pious hero of this classic biography, ranks in depth of intellect, breadth of sympathy, and clarity of vision with the foremost personalities in Jewish tradition.l According to Dr. Finkelstein, Akiba "dominated the whole scene of Jewish history for eighteen centuries...and possessed that colorful personality which made him the most revered, as well as the most beloved, of talmudic sages." In an awesome masterwork of scholarship, Dr. Finkelstein, one of the most eminent scholars and religious leaders of our time, has sifted through scores of scattered talmudic reference to paint a richly detailed and intimately felt portrait of this rabbinic hero. Comprehensive footnotes help guide the interested reader to specific sources."

About the Author Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of Religion and Theology Bard College Annandale-on-Hudson, NY.