Psychology of Prophecy. A Study of the Prophetic Mind as Manifested by the Ancient Hebrew Prophets. [INSCRIBED AND SIGNED]

Kaplan, Jacob H. Psychology of Prophecy. A Study of the Prophetic Mind as Manifested by the Ancient Hebrew Prophets. [INSCRIBED AND SIGNED]. Philadelphia: Julius H. Greenstone, 1908. First edition. Quarto. XII, 148pp. Original green cloth with blind stamped border on front cover and gold lettering on front board and spine. Rear of front cover inscribed and signed by the author. Anticipating the more famous work on this subject by Abraham Heschel, Jacob Kaplan was the first to delve into the mind of the prophets using the newly established discipline of psychology. Few historical characters have been as engaging as the prophets of ancient Israel. Kaplan begins his exploration by examining the origin of the word “prophet” in Hebrew, and popular conceptions of the prophets as wonder workers, predictors of the future, and teachers of ethics. After considering miracles and the relationship between prophets and other religious professionals in the ancient Near East, Kaplan examines the prophetic genius. In regard to the psychology of prophecy, the concept of the prophetic call and the attendant phenomena of premonition, revelation, the word of God, dreams, visions, ecstasy, and inspiration are all important elements thoroughly explored. True to his psychological approach, Kaplan determines that prophetic phenomena are profoundly human, and are found in cultures throughout the world. Ex-library copy with identification stickers on front cover and at bottom of spine. Library pocket and library stamp on free front endpaper. Some edgewear to binding with minor discoloration along edges and on spine. Corners and head and tail of spine slightly rubbed. Binding in overall good, interior in very good condition. g. Hardcover. (24218) $50