Bridging Worlds: Poetry and Philosophy in the Works of Immanuel of Rome

Ma?berot Immanuel is a collection of rhymed prose and poetry written by the poet and amateur philosopher Immanuel of Rome during late medieval Italy's political change. Bridging Worlds explores the interrelation of Immanuel's belletristic work and biblical exegesis to advance a comprehensive and original reading of the final chapter, Mah?beret Ha-Tofet Ve-ha- Eden. Dana Fishkin demonstrates that Immanuel's narrative made complex philosophical ideas about the soul's quest for immortality accessible to an educated populace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Wayne State University Press

Ma?berot Immanuel, a captivating collection of twenty-eight chapters composed in Hebrew, showcases the profound artistry and philosophical depth of the poet and amateur philosopher Immanuel of Rome. Crafted during a period of rapid political transformation in late medieval Italy, this work blends rhymed prose and poetry in a seamless tapestry. The final chapter, Mah?beret Ha-Tofet Ve-ha- Eden (A Tale of Heaven and Hell), shares similarities with Dante's renowned Commedia, depicting Immanuel's visionary journeys to both hell and heaven.

In her groundbreaking work, Bridging Worlds, Dana Fishkin delves into the intricate interplay between Immanuel's literary creations and biblical exegesis, offering a groundbreaking interpretation of the final chapter. By carefully examining Immanuel's philosophical commentaries and literary works, Fishkin unveils how Immanuel's narrative seamlessly weaves complex philosophical ideas about the soul's quest for immortality into a language accessible to an educated readership. Through her meticulous analysis, Fishkin demonstrates how Mah?beret Ha-Tofet Ve-ha- Eden serves as a vibrant site of cultural negotiation and translation, where two distinct cultures converge and sometimes clash.

By presenting a valuable and refreshing perspective alongside previously unknown sources, Fishkin breathes new life into this extraordinary medieval work, enriching our understanding of the complexities and tensions inherent in the world of late medieval Jewish individuals who navigated a deeply intertwined existence between Italian culture and literature. Bridging Worlds broadens our horizons, shedding light on the rich tapestry of late medieval Jewish culture and its profound impact on the broader historical landscape.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780814350355