This masterpiece of Shay Agnon, the Israeli Nobel laureate for literature, is about AdeiEl Imzeh, a prototypical scholar who devoted his life to research. He lived in an ivory-tower until his fateful encounter with a nurse, Ada Eden, who lured him out and drastically changed his life. He had to give up one by one the tokens of professional success that he so desperately tried to gain. Nonetheless, he found his calling and satisfaction in the least expected place. The new accurate translation conveys the flavor of Agnon's unique storytelling style. The commentary opens gates to enjoying the...