Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Part I. Introduction A German Jewish Youth • "Change in Orientation" • Political Existence and Religion • Beyond Atheism and Orthodoxy • The Virtue of Modesty Part II. Leo Strauss: Early Publications (1921-32) I. The Dissertation (1921) The Problem of Knowledge in the Philosophical Doctrine of Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi II. Zionist Writings (1923-25) Response to Frankfurt's "World of Principle" The Holy A Note on the Discussion of "Zionism and Anti-Semitism" The Zionism of Nordau Paul de Lagarde Sociological Historiography? Review of Albert Levkowitz, Contemporary Religious ThinkersOn the Argument with European Science Comment on Weinberg's Critique Ecclesia militans Biblical History and Science III. Historical-Philological Writings on Spinoza (1924-26) Cohen's Analysis of Spinoza's Bible ScienceOn the Bible Science of Spinoza and His Precursors IV. Reorientation (1928-32) Sigmund Freud, The Future of an IllusionFranz Rosenweig and the Academy for the Science of Judaism Review of Julius Ebbinghaus, On the Progress of MetaphysicsThe Testament of Spinoza Index of Sources General Index

"This is a welcome collection of short writings of Leo Strauss ... Each of these essays contains intimations of the brilliance that Strauss is to show all through his writings." — Review of Metaphysics"Zank places at the reader's disposal the young Strauss's passionate advocacy of political Zionism and his early confrontations with Spinoza, consideration of whom helped lead Strauss to formulate his teaching on 'the quarrel between the ancients and the moderns.'" — National Review"To understand Leo Strauss, one has to see him in his original background: Germany of the 1920s. Michael Zank's translation and introduction enable us to reconstruct his background: a young Jewish philosopher, influenced by Cohen and by Heidegger, between orthodoxy, Zionism, and atheism. The book helps us to make sense of the young Strauss—and possibly of the whole Strauss." — Rémi Brague, University Paris"In recent years, interest in the thought and writings of Leo Strauss has increased dramatically, both in the United States and abroad. This valuable contribution toward our understanding of Strauss brings to our attention little-known writings from his youth. The editor's contribution is thorough, lucid, and thought-provoking." — Stanley Rosen, Boston University"Readers interested in Strauss's thought and development, in the turmoil of German Jewry in the period following the first World War, in political Zionism, and in 'religious philosophy' generally, will find very much material here for study and contemplation. The collection and presentation are praiseworthy and should be eagerly received." — Ralph Lerner, The University of Chicago