Discover the ancient legend behind one of the most influential translations in history. The Letter of Aristeas, a beloved classic of Hellenistic Jewish literature, recounts how Ptolemy II of Egypt commissioned the translation of the Hebrew Torah into Greek—a work that would become the Septuagint, the Bible of the early Church. Written as a letter from Aristeas to his brother Philocrates, this vivid narrative takes you from the royal court of Alexandria to the Temple in Jerusalem, introduces you to the wisdom of seventy-two scholars, and invites you into their profound dialogues on kingship, justice, and the divine. This modern-English edition renders the original in clear, inviting prose while preserving its timeless spirit and meaning. Faithful to the text and rich with context, it is an essential read for anyone drawn to scripture, history, or the meeting of Greek and Hebrew thought. Part of The Sacred Wisdom Library.