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The Letter of Aristeas Intro

THE FORGOTTEN BOOKS OF EDEN

Translated in the late 1800's

by

Dr. S. C. Malan and Dr. E. Trumpp.

Translated into King James English from both the Arabic version and the Ethiopic version which was then published in The Forgotten Books of Eden in 1927 by The World Publishing Company.

THE LETTER OF ARISTEAS

part of the "Forgotten" books of Eden

IN THE Letter of Aristeas, one of the most noteworthy and ancient recoveries in this collection, we have come a long way from Adam and Eve, a long way from the Flood. This writing presents a spectacle of the resiliency of the human race, which has repeopled the Earth, with powerful nations living in pomp and splendor.

You will read here of the first great bibliophile--Ptolemy Philadelphus. He desires to collect into his library at Alexandria "all the books in the world." Finally in his passion to secure one great work--the Jewish Laws--he trades 100,000 captives for that book. This is probably the highest price ever paid for a single work. It presents an unusual reason for the end of the Great Captivity.

The events of this narrative took place during the lifetime of the famous Queen Arsinoe, who died 270 B. C. The exact date of the writing is uncertain.

The details of court life, the discussion of social problems of the day are of the utmost interest and vividness. It is an odd discovery in this day and age to see the king and his guests playing at questions and answers during their banqueting.

The structure of this absorbing work is as follows:

1. Dedication of the book to Philocrates.

2. Preliminary action:

      (a) The proposal of the Librarian to liberate the Jewish captives in exchange for a book.

      (b) The emancipation.

      (c) The letter of Philadelphus to Eleazar.

      (d) The reply.

      (e) The names of the committee appointed to translate the book.

3. Description of the royal presents:

      (a) The table (probably the most elaborate piece of furniture ever produced).

      (b) The other presents.

4. Description of Jerusalem.

      (a) The temple (and the water-works system).

      (b) The ceremony.

      (c) The citadel.

      (d) The city.

      (e) The countryside.

5. Eleazar's farewell.

6. Eleazar's explanation of the law (this is profound wisdom).

7. The reception.

8. The banquet (72 questions and answers).

9. The translation of the Book.

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Main Index

Introduction Contents Preface Apocalypse of Adam Apocalypse of Moses Illustrations Fourth Maccabees Intro Fourth book of Maccabees Fourth Maccabees, Short The Story of Ahikar Intro The Story of Ahikar Adam and Eve Intro Book 1 Adam and Eve Book 2 Adam and Eve Secrets of Enoch Intro The Secrets of Enoch Psalms of Solomon Intro The Psalms of Solomon Odes of Solomon Intro The Odes of Solomon The Letter of Aristeas Intro The Letter of Aristeas Testaments 12 Patriarchs Testament of Reuben Testament of Simeon Testament of Levi Testament of Judah Testament of Dan Testament of Gad Testament of Issaschar Testament of Asher Testament of Zebulun Testament of Naphtali Testament of Joseph Testament of Benjamin

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