The Fable of Joseph and Aseneth is an imaginative elaboration of a verse from Genesis describing the relationship between Joseph, the son of the patriarch Jacob, and Aseneth, a beautiful maiden of Egypt. Infused with all the tender sensitivity and lyricism of the Song of Solomon, it weaves an enchanting tale of infatuation, heartbreak, and joyful reunion. While the work may be read simply as a piece of visionary fiction, Aseneth--who soon becomes the story's central and most sympathetic character--may also be taken as an allegorical figure of the human soul, as it moves through different stages in its relationship to God. Beginning with contentment in merely earthly things, the soul is then awakened to a consuming desire for the transcendent. Yet this transcendent ideal soon proves fleeting, inaccessible, and remote, leaving only a state of emptiness and desolation. Finally, through a mystical encounter with the incarnate deity, the soul is taken up into an ecstatic union with God--a meeting of heaven and earth, of the human and the divine. This volume presents an English verse adaptation of the principal Syriac version of the fable, as well as prose translations of related Greek and Syriac fragments.

The Fable of Joseph and As and A Tale of Death and Glory: The Acts of St. Sebastian and His Companions

A Tale of Death and Glory: The Acts of St. Sebastian and His Companions

Write a review

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account