As Light Before Dawn: The Inner World of a Medieval Kabbalist (Stanford Studies in Jewish History and C)
'Eitan Fishbane's (i)As Light Before Dawn: The Inner World of a Medieval Kabbalist(/i) is a major contribution both to the study of Jewish mysticism and to the wider world of comparative mystical research. Although Isaac of Akko has long been known as an important Kabbalist, this is the first systematic presentation of one of the most challenging and rewarding mystical teachers of Kabbalah. With impressive command of the sources, penetrating analysis of difficult texts, and, above all, with a masterly ability to to reveal the inner dynamics of Isaac's spiritual teaching, Fishbane presents us with a full account of a mystic whose teaching on topics such as authority and tradition, theurgy and devotion, as well as contemplation and union with God, show him to be a true sage of Judaism, as well as a significant conversation partner for students of other mystical traditions.' —Bernard McGinn, Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor Emeritus, Divinity School, University of Chicago