The eminent Judaica scholar Jacob Neusner provides here the first form analytical translation of the Mishnah. This pathbreaking edition provides as close to a literal translation as possible, following the syntax of Mishnaic Hebrew in its highly formalized and syntactically patterned language. Demonstrating that the Mishnah is a work of careful and formal poetry and prose, Neusner not only analyzes the repeated formal constructions but also divides the thoughts on the printed page so that the patterned language and the poetry comprised in those patterns emerge visually.

"Neusner’s translation is welcome precisely because the Mishnah is so difficult to read and understand."

"With meticulous methodology, and with rare stylistic beauty of expression, Neusner, with his associates, has produced an incomparable translation of the Mishnah, both new and innovative, which reflects the genius of the original Hebrew idiom. Neusner penetrates the Tannaitic mind, capturing its spirit, its subtle nuances, and its poetic cadences. . . . A most impressive volume which transcends all previous versions of the Mishnah."

"A linguistic purity and simplicity which strives to capture not only the substance, but the spirit and style of the Mishnah’s universe."

"An artful and impressive addition. . . . It deserves not only admiration but serious attention as well."

"Neusner has done us all a service but putting his translations together in one volume."

"A significant advance over the standard translation by Herbert Danby (1933)."

"The work is significant because for the first time it makes available to student and scholar alike a rendition of the Mishnah which attempts to convey not only the substance of that document, but the highly patterned and formalized language which Neusner believes is the key to comprehending its contents."

"[This] study revealed new data and new insights for an understanding of this classical text in the development of Rabbinic Judaism."

"Whoever has occasion to refer to the Mishnah in English will no longer simply quote Herbert Danby’s translation of 1933, but always consult the more literal version of Neusner. The translator based his work on his own monumental, 43 volume history of the Mishnaic law. The well written introduction summarizes Neusner’s general approach to and understanding of the Mishnah."

"Neusner has done us all a service by putting his translations together in one volume."

"This introduction to midrash pays special attention to the ways in which the rabbis of talmudic times read the Pentateuch, the Book of Ruth, and the Song of Songs. The various Midrash compilations are introduced by an account of their main points, and selections are offered as translated by Neusner, and with his commentaries."

"[A] hefty and handsome paperback."