First Impressions

  Through an examination of the first two print editions of Sefer Hasidim, Skloot examines the history of the creative adaptation of texts. Published in 1538, the Sefer Hasidim is a compendium of rituals, stories, and religious instruction that primarily originated in medieval Franco-Germany. In First Impressions (Brandeis University Press) Skloot demonstrates the transformations texts underwent throughout the printing process in the 16th century. Although many believe printing is a mere duplication of text, Skloot argues that the printing is one of creativity as it is ultimately a human-made process.