Why were so many religious images and objects broken and damaged in the course of the Reformation? Margaret Aston's magisterial new book charts the conflicting imperatives of destruction and rebuilding throughout the English Reformation from the desecration of images, rails and screens to bells, organs and stained glass windows. She explores the motivations of those who smashed images of the crucifixion in stained glass windows and who pulled down crosses and defaced symbols of the Trinity. She shows that destruction was part of a methodology of religious revolution designed to change people as well as places and to forge in the long term new generations of new believers. Beyond blanked walls and whited windows were beliefs and minds impregnated by new modes of religious learning. Idol-breaking with its emphasis on the treacheries of images fundamentally transformed not only Anglican ways of worship but also of seeing, hearing and remembering.

The Sacred Books of Judaism presents a compelling anthology that traverses the rich tapestry of Jewish spiritual and philosophical thought. Embedded within its pages are works that span from meditative poetry to rigorous theological discourse, reflecting the diversity and depth of Jewish literary tradition. This collection is not only significant for its encompassing range, capturing the evolution of Jewish thought from ancient to medieval times, but also for its inclusion of seminal pieces that have shaped Jewish scholarship and practice. The anthology serves as a microcosm of the Jewish intellectual heritage, showcasing the heterogeneity of perspectives and literary styles that have contributed to its enduring vitality and relevance. The contributing authors, among them luminaries such as Louis Ginzberg, Moses Maimonides, and Judah Halevi, bring a wealth of scholarly insight and historical perspective. Their backgrounds, spanning different epochs and geographies, mirror the diasporic narrative of Jewish history, imbuing the collection with a rich tapestry of cultural and philosophical influences. These authors, through their pioneering contributions, have engaged in a dialogue not just with their contemporaries but with generations of readers and scholars, situating the anthology within a broader context of Jewish and general philosophical discourse. The Sacred Books of Judaism is a monumental compilation that invites readers on a transformative journey through Jewish thought and tradition. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the seminal works that have shaped a religion, a culture, and a philosophy of life. For scholars, students, and anyone intrigued by the richness of Jewish literature and thought, this anthology is an indispensable resource that promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire. Through the multiplicity of voices and ideas it presents, this collection fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexity and vibrancy of Jewish intellectual heritage.