Don Isaac Abravanel - An Intellectual Biography

Don Isaac Abravanel (1437–1508) was a Jewish scholar, inventor, and political actor who played a significant role in the aftermath of the expulsion of 1492. This book provides a new intellectual biography of Abravanel, exploring his life in three cultural milieus and analyzing his major literary accomplishments. Abravanel was a traditionalist with innovative ideas, combining his knowledge of Jewish and Christian writings with his experience in the merchant, banker, and court financier fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2021
Publisher: University Press of New England

Don Isaac Abravanel (1437–1508) was a pivotal figure in the development of Jewish modernity, excelling in various roles as a merchant, banker, and court financier. He possessed a deep knowledge of both Jewish and Christian writings, serving as a preacher and exegete. Additionally, he played a prominent political role in royal entourages and Jewish communities, making him one of the most influential leaders and thinkers of Iberian Jewry in the aftermath of the expulsion of 1492. This remarkable book, the first new intellectual biography of Abravanel in two decades, explores his life across three cultural contexts: Portugal, Castile, and post-expulsion Italy. It delves into his significant literary achievements during each period, highlighting his unique blend of traditionalism and innovative ideas. Abravanel was a man who straddled the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, exhibiting an erudite scholarship and a vast collection of books. He embodied a transitional figure, defined by the contradictions of his era, yet these very contradictions contribute to his immense importance in understanding the emergence of Jewish modernity.

Don Isaac Abravanel (1437–1508) was a remarkable figure in the history of Jewish modernity, occupying multiple roles as a merchant, banker, and court financier. He possessed a profound understanding of both Jewish and Christian literature, serving as a preacher and exegete. Additionally, he played a significant political role in royal entourages and Jewish communities, making him one of the most influential leaders and thinkers of Iberian Jewry in the aftermath of the expulsion of 1492. This outstanding book, the first new intellectual biography of Abravanel in two decades, delves into his life across three cultural contexts: Portugal, Castile, and post-expulsion Italy. It examines his significant literary achievements during each period, highlighting his unique blend of traditionalism and innovative ideas. Abravanel was a man who bridged the gap between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, exhibiting an erudite scholarship and a vast collection of books. He embodied a transitional figure, defined by the contradictions of his era, yet these very contradictions contribute to his immense importance in understanding the emergence of Jewish modernity.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 167 x 243 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684580231