Description:
"Scholars in such fields as Classical studies, Islamic studies, and Byzantine Christian studies will find this work of great interest. . . . Indeed, they ignore it at their peril. By shedding direct light on ancient rabbinic culture, the penumbra of this study illumines as well the surrounding cultural settings in which rabbinic culture emerged."--Martin Jaffee, University of Washington
Review Quotes: "[Swartz's] translation. . . and commentary on the main texts of the `Prince of the Torah' tradition. . . are especially valuable and provide nonexperts with access to the important mystical-magical material under analysis. Especially significant is his emphasis on the ritual and ritual procedures outlined in these texts."-- "Choice"