Book Description:
Born into a distinguished family in
medieval Cordoba, Spain, the young Moses Maimonides was quickly recognized by
his teachers for his outstanding intellectual abilities and extraordinary
versatility. At the age of twelve, when his peaceful world was shattered by war
and persecution and his family was forced into exile, his religious and secular
studies continued. Despite the years of wandering and the harsh conditions, he
also developed into a writer and wrote extensively until the end of his life.
After years of wandering and relatively short stays in
Morocco and Israel, Maimonides and his family settled in Egypt. The Jewish
community quickly recognized his genius, and after completing his important
book, the Mishneh Torah, he was recognized internationally as the chief
religious and legal authority of the entire Jewish world. He produced many
books on diverse subjects such as philosophy, law, religion, and medicine that
are considered extremely important to this day by Jews, Christians, and Muslims
alike. Despite experiencing loss and controversies, Maimonides rose to eminence
as both the official head of the Jewish community in Cairo and the private
physician to the sultan and his court.
His world was full of contradictions. A man who abhorred
excess of any kind, Maimonides nevertheless lived as a member of a glittering
society. Cairo of that time was full of art, music, literature, elegant
fashions, priceless jewelry, and sophisticated food. He moved among the
sultan’s wealthy advisors and the elegant ladies of the royal harem during the
day, and among the Jewish scholars in the evening. He was accused of supporting
corporal punishment for wives, and at the same time, people gasped at his
revolutionary defense of women’s rights.
His fame brought controversy that is still raging—eight
hundred years after his death. At certain times his books were banned and even
burned at the stake. But no one could ever deny that his work was that of a
brilliant innovator and scholar who could reconcile religious traditions with
science and philosophy like no one else.
Book Genre: Historical Biography
Publisher: 21st Publishing
Release Date: Feb 12, 2015
Author Bio:
Ilil Arbel is the author of a number of fiction and
non-fiction books, including biographies, memoirs, novels, and
mythology/folklore. She has also written articles, short stories, and Judaic
myths.
Arbel has a Ph.D. in the field of mythology and folklore
but has also devoted much study to her special interest in Jewish history,
biography, legends, and myths. She is currently engaged in writing the
biography of Hillel the Elder, the first century B.C. leader and religious
scholar.
Dr. Arbel was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. She has lived and
studied in Tel Aviv, Paris, and New York and currently resides in Manhattan.
Interview:
Where
are you from?
I
was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What’s
your latest news?
My
latest news is truly brand new! I was invited to contribute a story to an
anthology of detective fiction which is going to include some very
distinguished writers. I can’t give too many details yet, but I am permitted to
say that my story will be a historic mystery set in the 1920’s, named “Madame
Koska and Le Spectre de la Rose.”
What
inspired you to write this book?
I
have always been a great admirer of Maimonides. I consider him one of the most
important and influential philosophers/scholars in the Jewish, Christian, and
Muslim cultures. All the books I read about him dealt mostly with his work –
but I am a biographer; I want a life story! I knew I could dig out interesting
facts about his life, his family, and the places he lived. And indeed, I have
found wonderful material that I believe could enrich anyone’s knowledge and
understanding of the man himself, not just his works.
How did you come up with the title?
I
did not come up with the title… the honor belongs to my wonderful publisher,
21st Publishing. They suggested the title and I was thrilled!
Is
there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
I
would like the readers to feel the value of inclusiveness, understanding
between cultures, and the importance of cooperation among scholars, students,
and the intelligent public. Knowledge is universal and must be shared, it
belongs to everyone. As Maimonides himself said: “You must accept the truth from
whatever source it comes.”
Name
a few books that have influenced your life.
Van
Loon’s Lives -- I believe this book made me want to write biographies. W.
Somerset Maugham’s Collected Short Stories -- he made me want to write, period.
Erasmus’ Praise of Folly -- nothing can give better perspective about the
silliness of our delusions of grandeur. Thomas Mann’s Joseph and his Brothers
-- it was the first book that made me see the depth and the ancient flavor of
Jewish culture. Maimonides Guide of the Perplexed -- unique, there is nothing
like it, anywhere. Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write -- it breaks barriers
and removes fears.
Are
there any new authors that interest you?
Too
many to count…Wayne Zurl, Micheal Maxwell, Linda Hawley, Mary Campagna Findley,
Joe Perrone Jr., Belinda G. Buchanan, Margaret Millmore – this is a very
partial list.
What
are your current projects?
I
am working on two projects. The biography of Hillel the Elder, named The Golden
Rule. Some of it is already published as a blog on my website as “a book in
progress” since I believe that feedback from readers is extremely important,
and also because I suspect that many books will be done like that in the
future. The Internet opened an entirely new dimension for authors! The second
project is a book I was requested to do for the Angela Thirkell Society of
North America, who had published several of my books. It is a totally different
field – a historical mystery occurring in the 1920’s. The book does not have a
name yet – but it is the sequel to Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch and
will be her third adventure.
I
would like the readers to know that more than anything else I value feedback. I
think any reader’s thoughts, questions, approval or disapproval are the
building blocks on which to continue doing what I love best – research and
writing. If you feel like talking about the book, my website is listed there. I
hope to hear from you!
Author Links -
Publisher’s Website: http://www.21stpublishing.com/
Publisher’s Facebook Website:
https://www.facebook.com/21stPublishing
My Review:
I just finished reading "Moses Son of Maimon: The Life of Maimonides, 1135 to 1204A.D." and I found it to be very interesting. The author llil Arbel shows the reader what it was like for Moses Maimonides in this time. It is amazing that even with the trials he had to endure when he was young he became a great writer. He was also the sultan's only doctor. He was so influential that he is still famous today. Even now we sometimes do not understand him. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
Giveaway:
A $10 Amazon gift card, a signed print book, and
5 eBooks.
Where your favorite place to write?
ReplyDelete