Jewish Culture between Canon and Heresy

David Biale's anthology of essays, Counter-History, explores vital forces in marginal, disreputable, and irrational areas, spanning the Bible, late antiquity, and the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. It argues for the dialectical relationship between modernity and its precursors, providing a sweeping look at the history of the Jewish people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

This comprehensive anthology, spanning the illustrious career of renowned Jewish historian David Biale, presents a collection of over a dozen of his most influential essays. Spanning from 1974 to 2016, these pieces represent a unique approach known as "counter-history," which involves uncovering vital forces within what others perceive as marginal, disreputable, and irrational. Throughout his distinguished career, Biale has delved into profound themes such as power, sexuality, blood, and secular Jewish thought, traversing the eras of the Bible, late antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the twentieth century.

Within this volume, exemplary essays delve into the intricate interplay between modernity and its historical precedents, challenging traditional narratives and offering a sweeping perspective on the history of the Jewish people. By employing a dialectical approach, Biale's work seeks to redefine our understanding of history, offering a fresh and unconventional lens through which to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage.

This remarkable collection of essays by one of the most audacious and intellectually voracious Jewish thinkers of our time is an indispensable resource for scholars and students of Jewish studies. It provides a profound exploration of the complexities and nuances of Jewish history, shedding light on the profound impact of religion, culture, and society on the Jewish people throughout their remarkable journey.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503634343