Norman Bentwich
Philo-Judæus of Alexandria
"Philo-Judæus of Alexandria" by Norman Bentwich is a historical account published in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life and philosophy of the Jewish philosopher Philo, who lived in Alexandria during the Hellenistic period, exploring how his thoughts intertwined with both Jewish and Greek cultural influences. Bentwich aims to shed light on Philo's significant contributions to philosophy and the unique perspective he brought as a Jew during a time of religious and cultural upheaval. The opening of the work sets the stage for an exploration of the Jewish community in Alexandria, where Philo thrived. It outlines the historical context of Jewish life during the Roman Empire and the conflicts that arose between Jewish beliefs and the surrounding Hellenistic culture. Bentwich expresses a sentiment of melancholy regarding the historical neglect of Philo's contributions to philosophy and Judaism, emphasizing that while his writings were favored by early Christian thinkers, they did not receive the recognition they deserved from his own community. This introduction establishes Philo's dual identity as both a passionate Jew and a synthesizer of Greek philosophy, introducing themes that will be further examined throughout the book.