Author Description

Written by Abraham ibn Daud of Toledo (c. 1110-1180), Dorot 'Olam (Generations of the Ages) is one of the most influential and innovative historical works of medieval Hebrew literature. In four sections, three of which are edited and translated in this volume for the first time, Dorot 'Olam asserts the superiority of rabbinic Judaism and stresses the central role of Iberia for the Jewish past, present, and future. Combining Jewish and Christian sources in new ways, Ibn Daud presents a compelling vision of the past and formulates political ideas that stress the importance of consensus-driven leadership under rabbinic guidance. This edition demonstrates how Dorot 'Olam was received by Jewish and Christian readers who embraced the book in Hebrew, Latin, and two English and German translations.