Gerschom G. Scholem
Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism.
Schocken Books, 1988. "Reprinted from the third revised edition." 0805200053 xiv/460 pages.
Softcover volume, measuring approximately 5.5" x 8.25", displays light shelfwear. Binding is sound. Interior is clean and bright. 
"Professor Scholem, one of the great scholars of our time, is the first to lay a solid foundation for the study of Jewish mysticism. In this epoch-making book he outlines the movement from its beginnings in antiquity to its latest phase in Hasidism. Bold, profound ideas and symbols are analyzed and evaluated. Scholem's work revolutionizes our entire outlook on Judaism and the role of mysticism in Western thought.
Initially the Kabbalah was an esoteric doctrine confined to small groups of elect. After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain from Spain in 1492, it became the authentic voice of the people and a dominant spiritual force in Judaism. Not until the 18th century, after the collapse of the Sabbatian Messianic movement, was Kabbalah considered "dangerous" for the people. Thereafter Western Jewish Scholars avoided any theological discussion which might revive mystic thought. Thus the far-reaching attempts of Jewish mystics to interpret theologically the meaning of existence remained unknown, and valuable Kabbalistic manuscripts unexplored."