Mayer I Gruber has done a great service with his careful translation of Rashi's commentary on the Psalms. Rashi, is regarded as one of the greatest of Jewish interpreters of Scripture, and his Commentary on the Psalms, though not in any way verbose, is chillingly brilliant in its depth and scope. Despite its age, this commentary has few rivals, even in the modern critical arena, since one of Rashi's great strengths was that he (unlike many modern critical scholars) really knew and understood Hebrew. Some specific points:

1) This is a very big book and an expensive book. The price is above average for an academic work and perhaps beyond the pockets of average readers. Those who make the decision to purchase ought to console themselves in the fact that the work is worth every cent. The first part consists of a detailed study of Rashi's life and literary output. The latter part (and the bulk of the book) consists of Rashi's commentary, followed by copious footnotes by the author expounding on Rashi's commentary. These footnotes are an essential part of the book since Rashi's terse comments often require further explanation. The author, himself a brilliant linguist, offers detailed commentary on Rashi, and on the historical and religious issues that arise from his work on the Psalms.

2) From someone who stands within the Christian tradition, I was struck by just how different is Jewish and Christian interpretation of the Psalms. One can hardly believe that the same literature can be interpreted in such different ways. Rashi's commentary contains strong but furtive polemic directed against Christians who saw references to Jesus in the Psalms (e.g. Psalm 130). Although one could argue with Rashi's conclusions, one cannot contest his genius.

3) Every sentence of Rashi causes one to stop and think. One such sentence may serve as an example. In his commentary on Psalm 107, Rashi writes, commenting on verse 11, that "This verse teaches that a person experiences suffering only as a consequence of one's sin." (633) What makes this idea remarkable is that so great a mind held it, and that it is stated without apology or further comment. But then the work abounds with such though provoking ideas ranging from God's character to the sexual desires of Jewish women (page 750).

4) The author engages with ancient and modern scholars. One learns a great deal about Rabbinic Jewish interpretation, and there are many beautiful stories and Midrashim preserved here. The full Hebrew text of Rashi's commentary in printed out in full at the end of the book.

In conclusion, if your pocket allows only one academic commentary on the Psalms, this is the one to buy. In short, it contains a world of brilliance.