6This exceptional translation of Pirke Avot features in full the chapters and sacred phrases by the Jewish forefathers.

Pirke Avot or Pirkei Avot - in English 'Chapters of the Fathers' - is a collection of sayings and aphorisms dating from antiquity which teach the ethics and morality of the Jewish faith. Attributed to various sages of Judaism who taught between the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century AD, this collection combines some of the finest and most salient phrases coined by the revered rabbis of old.

Since the early Middle Ages, it has been customary in several Jewish traditions for adherents and aspiring rabbis to devote time studying and absorbing these ancient sayings. Many are characterised by a memorable brevity, for expressing in a couple of sentences what other teachers would find difficult to teach in several pages. Principles such as kindness, self-respect and the respect of others are discussed while teachings on other, more specific subjects - including the need to take care when speaking, to consider all decisions carefully, and to cultivate an even temperament - also populate the text.

Among the most instructive of sacred Jewish texts, Pirkei Avot will be of use and interest to students and adherents of Judaism, as well as those with an interest in the faith. This translation is by Charles Taylor, a lifelong scholar and English Christian Hebraist who authored and translated several books on various subjects concerning Judaism for the University of Cambridge.