The Falashas, who are the most isolated and most ancient Jewish community extant, have preserved their own religious writings through the centuries. This book offers a cross section of their sacred literature, translated for the first time into English from Ethiopic sources. In addition, the translator provides a detailed description of the life and mores of the Falashas, based on his personal experience and observation during a prolonged stay in their community.
"An excellent, unique, and fascinating volume...an illuminating view of the range of Falasha sacred literature, all freshly rendered into forceful English, and of timeless interest."--Harry E. Wedeck,
National Jewish Monthly"Gives to the English-reading public for the first time an extensive and intimate view of the life and literature of an extremely interesting branch of the Jewish religious community."--S.D. Goitein,
Commentary"The translations in the anthology are notably well done.... For thus presenting in full the evidences of a most extraordinary modern ethnic discovery, Dr. Leslau merits the praise of both scholarly and general public."--Abraham Burstein,
American Jewish Review"This fascinating volume [is] a valuable contribution." -Alexander Heidel,
Near Eastern Studies