The Book of Psalms - Hardcover

by Jeffrey M. Cohen (Author), A. A. Macintosh (Foreword by)

Jeffrey Cohen employs his poetic skill and biblical scholarship to the challenging task of rendering the Book of Psalms into rhymed verse. While there are several fine renderings into English blank verse, notably that of Robert Alter, it is Cohen's belief that it is the rhymed verse genre that can best convey the vibrant and passionate spirit of the original Hebrew poetry, and its innate lyricism that lent it, so naturally and from ancient times, to musical and choral accompaniment. This highly original work conveys the inner meaning, lyricism, and message of the psalms in a manner that will engage and inspire adherents of all faiths and none. It also provides a useful exegetical tool for all who use the Bible for study, teaching, or preaching, demystifying many words and phrases whose meaning translators and commentators acknowledge as uncertain in the original text. This is as much a commentary as a work of poetry, as testified to by the endorsements of several Cambridge University biblical and Hebrew scholars. Before proceeding to create his poetry, the writer consulted the ancient Greek and Latin translations, as well as medieval and modern Jewish and non-Jewish interpretations, in order to attempt to clarify many of the acknowledged textual difficulties in the psalms. In many cases this impelled him to offer his own original interpretations. Readers will find these most helpful in clarifying the thematic link between many succeeding lines and paragraphs that, on a cursory reading of the standard translations, may appear disconnected. For scholars and students of the Bible this work will offer a novel perspective. For those who use the psalms for devotional purposes, this new edition will serve as an inspirational source, and for those whose interest is purely in the poetry, there is also much to appeal. ""Every new translation of a classic text affords us a fresh perspective on the power and beauty of the original. In this striking and wonderfully accessible translation of the Book of Psalms, Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Cohen gives us renewed insight into the greatest of all books of religious poetry, the unsurpassed music of the soul as it sings its songs to God."" --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain ""Dr. Jeffrey Cohen employs his poetic skill and biblical scholarship to the challenging task of rendering the Book of Psalms into rhymed verse. This groundbreaking work conveys the inner meaning, lyricism, and message of the psalms in a manner that will engage and inspire adherents of all faiths and none . . . So much in the poems is arresting and impressive, at times downright brilliant!"" --Robert Gordon, former Regius Professor of Hebrew, St Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK ""You really do a most impressive job on these difficult texts, combining sound renderings with literary polish and exegetical allusion."" Professor Stefan Reif, Former Professor of Hebrew and Director of The Taylor-Schechter Genizah Unit, Cambridge University ""I can see why they impress, and they would make an attractive volume."" Professor Nathan MacDonald, University Lecturer in Hebrew Bible, University of Cambridge ""One of my retirement projects is an attempt to get to know the Psalms. As I work my way through them I look at various translations as well as the original Hebrew text. Your version in many passages is blisteringly original and immensely topical. I look forward keenly to reading the Jeffrey Cohen Psalter when it appears."" Philip Skelker, Former Headmaster, Immanuel College, Bushey, and English Master, Eton College ""Thank you so much for the privilege of pre-viewing your magnum opus. As a 'man in the pew', I mumble the psalms, only occasionally taking on board their import. However, when I read through your version I realised that there is no comparison with any previous edition. You have created a new form which touches the emotions directly. I know that one needs to study to fully appreciate the majest

Author Biography

Jeffrey M. Cohen is a graduate of theological colleges in Manchester and Gateshead, United Kingdom. He obtained a first class honors degree and MPhil from London University and a PhD from Glasgow University. He has served as rabbi to some of the largest congregations in Britain and lectured in London and Glasgow universities. He is the author of twenty-five books and several hundred articles in both scholarly and popular journals, and is married with four children and fourteen grandchildren.