''The Talmud'' is one of the most significant religious texts in the world, second only to the Bible in its importance to Judaism. As the Bible is the word of God, ''The Talmud'' applies that word to the lives of its followers. In a range of styles including commentary, parables, proverbs and anecdotes, it provides guidance on all aspects of everyday life from ownership to commerce to relationships. This selection of its most illuminating passages makes accessible the centuries of Jewish thought within ''The Talmud''. Norman Solomon's clear translation from the Bavli (Babylonian) ''Talmud'' is accompanied by an introduction on its arrangement, social and historical background, reception and authors. This edition also includes appendixes of background information, a glossary, time line, maps and indexes.