This is a reference guide to over 1000 prominent men and women who have shaped Jewish culture. Covering 20 centuries of Jewish history, it contains: detailed biographical information on each leading figure; analysis of their role and significance both in Jewish life and the wider culture; a chronological table; and an A-Z layout.

This comprehensive and easy-to-use text brings vividly to life the thousands of characters in the Old Testament in nearly 3000 extensive entries, including bibliographical information, and a section on the Apocrypha.