Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The Falashas, who are the most isolated and most ancient Jewish community extant, have preserved their own religious writings through the centuries. This book offers a cross section of their sacred literature, translated for the first time into English from Ethiopic sources. In addition, the translator provides a detailed description of the life and mores of the Falashas, based on his personal experience and observation during a prolonged stay in their community.
"An excellent, unique, and fascinating volume...an illuminating view of the range of Falasha sacred literature, all freshly rendered into forceful English, and of timeless interest."--Harry E. Wedeck, National Jewish Monthly
"Gives to the English-reading public for the first time an extensive and intimate view of the life and literature of an extremely interesting branch of the Jewish religious community."--S.D. Goitein, Commentary
"The translations in the anthology are notably well done.... For thus presenting in full the evidences of a most extraordinary modern ethnic discovery, Dr. Leslau merits the praise of both scholarly and general public."--Abraham Burstein, American Jewish Review
"This fascinating volume is] a valuable contribution." -Alexander Heidel, Near Eastern Studies
Synopsis
""Falasha Anthology is the first English translation of specimens of Old testament texts and prayers which are representative of Falasha religious literature. . . . Leslau's book points scholars of Falasha social history toward the analysis of oral literature and documentary materials, notably Ethiopic manuscripts, as a method for reconstructing past political events and the nature of structural transformations of Falasha society.""-William A. Shack, Reviews in Anthropology