In this readable and intriguing study, Stefan Reif tells a number of remarkable stories. He explains how Cairo came to have its important Genizah archive, how Cambridge developed its interests in Hebraica, and how a number of colourful figures brought about the connection between the two centres. Also reliably summarised here are the importance of the Genizah material for Jewish cultural history and the manner in which its conservation, decipherment and publication have proceeded in the course of a century.
The book will serve as a helpful reference work for students and teachers of Jewish history and literature. Perhaps more importantly, it will introduce the whole topic to those with an interest in uncovering the secrets of the past but lacking the awareness that the Genizah's contents are at least as important for this purpose as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Explains how Cairo came to have its important Genizah archive, how Cambridge developed its interests in Hebraica, and how a number of colourful figures brought about the connection between the two centres. Also shows the importance of the Genizah material for Jewish cultural history.