Title: Samuel ben Ḥofni Gaon and his cultural world
First published: 1996
Description: Samuel ben Hofni Gaon was head of the Yeshiva of Sura in Baghdad during the cultural renaissance which characterized the Buyid period. His writings reflect the impact of Arabic literature on Jewish intellectuals at this time. The first part of this volume presents the known details of his life and extensive writings and describes the dynamics of contemporary, tenth-century Jewish culture: the decline and temporary restoration of the yeshivot and the intellectual activity outside of them.

Additionally, some of the basic concepts of his thought, strongly influenced by Mu'tazilite Kalam, are explained. The book provides the Judeo-Arabic text and annotated English translation of two of his works on legal theory, his Treatise on the Commandments and Ten Questions, reconstructed from manuscript fragments from the Cairo Geniza.
Subjects: Biography, Rabbis, Jewish scholars, Jews, Intellectual life, Commandments (Judaism), Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500, Cultural studies, Other prose: classical, early & medieval, General, Samuel ben Hophni,, Philosophers, Philosophy Of Law, Philosophy Of Religion, Biography & Autobiography, Biography / Autobiography, Jewish - General, Biography/Autobiography, d. 1013, Iraq, Interior Design - General, Samuel ben Hophni, Babylonia, Judaism, history, Judaism, doctrines, Medieval Civilization, Jewish influences
Places: Babylonia, Iraq
People: Samuel ben Hophni (d. 1013)
LC classification: BM755.S2436 S45 1996