This is perhaps the best short introduction to the Kabbalah that I've seen. Unlike many popular introductions to the subject, this book does not pretend to make you a Kabbalist or teach you supposedly Kabbalistic techniques and practices. And, unlike many scholarly treatises, it gets right to the point and makes the subject accessible to the average reader.

But don't get me wrong - Joseph Dan - a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem - has impressive scholarly credentials, including his previous works "The Early Kabbalah" and "The Teachings of Hassidism."

Dan describes the competing theories of the origins of the Kabbalah, and traces its development through the Middle Ages and on into modern times. There are chapters on the Christian Kabbalah, the Safed school and Lurianic Kabbalism, and on the controversial "false Messiah," Shabbatai Zevi. Dan also explores the impact of the Kabbalah on Hasidism and the Habad movement, and recounts the often hostile attitude towards the Kabbalah within the rabbinical schools.

Finally, Dan explores the continuing impact of the Kabbalah in popular culture and the New Age movement.

Illustrated with black-and-white woodcuts and illuminations, this book is an excellent introduction to a topic notorious for its obscurity.

Years ago when I tried to find information on Kabala I was met with mostly blank stares. The times have certainly changed and I wouldn't be surprised to see a Kabala commercial for Coke. In this concise introduction Grimes argues that the Kabala has represented so many things throughout history that it's hard to think of it as a single concept.

Almost from the start, though, Kabala has refereed to things kept secret and to knowledge that must be uncovered. There has also been a steady belief that our actions can change the divine will. Grimes explores these central ideas, and others, and gives an excellent overview of the history of Kabalistic though.

A good book. Informative and interesting.