This is a beautiful work of scholarship and literature. It is for those with spiritual/religious interests, especially Jewish, but not only Jewish. It presents the colorful and evocative stories of these ancient writings, without the theology or the commandments. Anyone who cares about myth and legend would find it deeply rewarding, I think. It is a touching and triumphant labor of love by the scholar who translated it into English.

This book is great. For anyone curious about Judaism, It is informative and easy to navigate.

The written records of spoken traditions of the Jewish past gives enlightenment to present understanding of the wisdom of those who have gone before. The book is not a factual account of history but that of the thoughts of the past and some beliefs that have developed into what we believe today.

This is a truly great event, not just a book. Now, anyone can get in touch with their ancestors. Curious kinds of people will be fascinated by this publication. The main themes of philosophy are all inside this book that is a legend in its own write. But - more than philosophy - there is so much heart in here it is hard to imagine.
outzens zen.

Bialik and Ravnitsky monumental editing work selected the aggadic or story portion of the Gemara, and organized them in accordance with themes. They succeed in making the Gemara come alive for many who would otherwise not know it. Their work came at a transition time when many Jews were leaving Traditional learning. Essentially Bialik had a program for educating Jews in the sources, in the Tradition so that they would be fully part of despite there not having learned in the Yeshiva world.
This English translation should widen the circle of those who study and learn this work. I would add that there is another English translation of parts of this work. It is done by my late teacher and friend Rabbi Chaim Pearl whose retelling of legends of the sages is unmatched in its clarity and insight.