Major trends in Jewish Mysticism

With this work, Gershom Scholem created the scholarly basis for the study of Jewish mysticism. Through a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of documents of the Jewish mystical tradition, this book provides a vivid picture of this epoch of intellectual history from its beginnings in late antiquity to the time of the formation of the Hasidic sect in the 18th century, in addition to a wealth of biographical details about well-known and lesser-known representatives of the Jewish intellectual world. For the first time, Scholem has scientifically examined long neglected or inadequately interpreted texts and placed them in relation to historical events. The result is a compendium that enables even the layman to visualise the exciting picture of a cultural and religious development that represents an integrating component of Western culture.

"A crucially vital work in the long history of Jewish esoteric spirituality. Aside from its intrinsic importance, the book’s influence has been enormous, and is likely to continue all but indefinitely. As much as the stories and parables of Kafka, Scholem’s work helped inaugurate Jewish gnosticism on our era" - Harold Bloom, Yale University