A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.
The Forgotten Books of Eden · 235 of 293
Letter of Aristeas: Introduction
IN THE Letter of Aristeas, one of the most noteworthy and ancient recoveries in this collection, we have come a long way from Adam and Eve, a long way from the Flood. This writing presents a spectacle of the resiliency of the human race, which has repeopled the Earth, with powerful nations living in pomp and splendor.
You will read here of the first great bibliophile—Ptolemy Philadelphus. He desires to collect into his library at Alexandria “all the books in the world.” Finally in his passion to secure one great work—the Jewish Laws—he trades 100,000 captives for that book. This is probably the highest price ever paid for a single work. It presents an unusual reason for the end of the Great Captivity.
The events of this narrative took place during the lifetime of the famous Queen Arsinoe, who died 270 B. C. The exact date of the writing is uncertain.
The details of court life, the discussion of social problems of the day are of the utmost interest and vividness. It is an odd discovery in this day and age to see the king and his guests playing at questions and answers during their banqueting.
The structure of this absorbing work is as follows:
1.Dedication of the book to Philocrates.
2.Preliminary action:
(a) The proposal of the Librarian to liberate the Jewish captives in exchange for a book.
(b) The emancipation.
(c) The letter of Philadelphus to Eleazar.
(d) The reply.
(e) The names of the committee appointed to translate the book.
3.Description of the royal presents:
(a) The table (probably the most elaborate piece of furniture ever produced).
(b) The other presents.
4.Description of Jerusalem.
(a) The temple (and the water-works system).
(b) The ceremony.
(c) The citadel.
(d) The city.
(e) The countryside.
5.Eleazar’s farewell.
6.Eleazar’s explanation of the law (this is profound wisdom).
7.The reception.
8.The banquet (72 questions and answers).
9.The translation of the Book.
Asked of Guide
Why does Ptolemy trade 100,000 captives for the Jewish Laws?
Ptolemy Philadelphus values the Jewish Laws as essential to his project of collecting “all the books in the world,” seeing a single work as worth an extraordinary price. The Introduction frames this as an act of a bibliophile who prizes knowledge and cultural prestige above material cost, making the exchange a statement about the library’s mission and royal ambition.
The chapter links the ransom to the broader theme of cultural preservation and curiosity: securing the Laws completes Alexandria’s intellectual claim. If you want a close comparison, Plutarch and later historians describe Hellenistic princes spending fortunes on books and scholars for similar prestige and power.
Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.