Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed has stood as a cornerstone of Jewish philosophy for over eight centuries. Now, a groundbreaking new translation by Lenn Goodman and Phillip Lieberman is being hailed as a definitive edition, set to reshape how scholars and new readers alike engage with this culturally pivotal text. Experts across the academic spectrum are praising this rendition for its scholarly rigor, linguistic sensitivity, and remarkable clarity, making Maimonides’ profound yet often intricate work accessible to a contemporary English-speaking audience.
This translation is lauded not just for its accuracy but also for its ability to capture the nuances and even the beauty of the original Arabic. Aaron W. Hughes from the University of Rochester notes that this edition provides “a full scholarly apparatus and a sensitivity to the beauty and nuances of the Arabic language,” making it invaluable for both seasoned scholars and those approaching Maimonides for the first time. The depth of research underpinning this work is further emphasized by Hava Tirosh-Samuelson of Arizona State University, who describes it as “a magnificent scholarly achievement” that synthesizes vast research and displays a profound understanding of Western philosophy. This allows readers to grapple anew with the central questions of Jewish philosophy – the reconciliation of human reason and divine revelation – with unprecedented clarity.
One of the key strengths highlighted by reviewers is the translation’s readability. Daniel J. Lasker from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev points out that it is “not only highly accurate, but also clear, lively and instructive.” This accessibility is further enhanced by rich notes and discussions of philosophical issues, unlocking the “many secrets” of Maimonides’ philosophy for a new generation. Kenneth Seeskin of Northwestern University goes even further, stating, “No book presents his masterpiece in a clearer or more thorough manner,” suggesting that this translation sets a new benchmark for Maimonides studies. The conversational style, which Goodman and Lieberman intentionally preserved, is also commended for making the text a “pleasure to read,” as Josh Frankel from Lehrhaus observes, while still maintaining scholarly integrity through ample citations and commentary.
The impact of Goodman and Lieberman’s work is anticipated to be long-lasting. Aharon Maman from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggests that if Maimonides were to write in modern English, “he would probably have chosen the style of this version.” Paul B. Fenton of Université Paris-Sorbonne emphasizes the translators’ “mastery of Arabic and Hebrew” combined with their “intimate knowledge of Medieval Jewish and Islamic philosophy,” resulting in a translation that is not only fresh and accurate but also profoundly insightful. Menachem Kellner from Tradition recommends Goodman and Lieberman as “your best guides to the Guide” for those seeking to understand Maimonides as both rabbi and philosopher.
Ultimately, this new translation of Guide for the Perplexed is more than just an academic exercise; it’s a vital contribution to Jewish intellectual life and to the broader study of medieval philosophy. David Tesler from Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews concludes that this translation “is sure to become the standard English translation for the next generation and beyond” and “belongs on the shelf of every comprehensive Jewish library.” J. J. Kimche in First Things welcomes it as “a readable, enlightening version of Maimonides’s philosophical magnum opus” and hails it as “little short of a revelation.” Goodman and Lieberman’s translation is poised to revitalize engagement with Maimonides’ timeless work, ensuring its continued relevance for generations to come.
