SIGNED BY GERSHOM SCHOLEM WITH DEDICATION to Haim Hillel (H.H.) Ben-Sasson (1914-1977), professor of Jewish medieval history at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the editor of the influential `History of the Jewish People` (Harvard University Press, 1976). Gershom (Gerhard) Scholem (1897-1982) was a German-born Israeli philosopher and historian, widely regarded as the founder of the modern, academic study of Kabbalah, becoming the first Professor of Jewish Mysticism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Scholem is best known for his biography `Sabbatai Zevi, the Mystical Messiah` (1973) as well as for his collection of lectures `Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism` (1941) and collected speeches and essays published as `On Kabbalah and its Symbolism` (1965), both of which played a major role in spreading knowledge of Jewish mysticism among non-Jews. This book is a monograph on Jewish mysticism in the early talmudic period (mostly in the 2nd and 3rd centuries) and the interconnection of Talmudic, Gnostic and mystical Jewish traditions. 235x160mm. VIII+126 pages. Maroon cloth Hardcover. Gilt lettering on front cover and spine. Cover corners and spine edges rubbed. Rear cover upper corner and spine edges bumped. Author`s signed dedication on front whitepage. Dedicatee`s notes written pen near text on page 11. [SUMMARY]: This rare classic study of the origins of Jewish mysticism by the foremost authority in the field is in good condition.