Although Amharic is the national language of Ethiopia and English its international language, until publication of this book in hardcover there was no concise Amharic-English, English-Amharic dictionary. Students of Amharic as well as visitors to Ethiopia and foreign workers will benefit from this concise dictionary with phonetic transcriptions that allow for its use by those unfamiliar with Amharic script.

The Falashas, who are the most isolated and most ancient Jewish community extant, have preserved their own religious writings through the centuries. This book offers a cross section of their sacred literature, translated for the first time into English from Ethiopic sources. In addition, the translator provides a detailed description of the life and mores of the Falashas, based on his personal experience and observation during a prolonged stay in their community. "An excellent, unique, and fascinating volume...an illuminating view of the range of Falasha sacred literature, all freshly rendered into forceful English, and of timeless interest."-Harry E. Wedeck, National Jewish Monthly "Gives to the English-reading public for the first time an extensive and intimate view of the life and literature of an extremely interesting branch of the Jewish religious community."-S.D. Goitein, Commentary "The translations in the anthology are notably well done.... For thus presenting in full the evidences of a most extraordinary modern ethnic discovery, Dr. Leslau merits the praise of both scholarly and general public."-Abraham Burstein, American Jewish Review "This fascinating volume [is] a valuable contribution." -Alexander Heidel, Near Eastern Studies