The purpose of this volume is to present, within the available
space, a selection of the writings of Martin Buber that will
communicate to the reader something of the power and rele-
vance of the thought of one of the most profound religious
philosophers of the century. Selection is no mechanical opera-
tion, and the selection I have made more or less obviously re-
flects my convictions as to what aspects of Buber's thinking are
of particular significance amidst the problems and perplexities
of our time. These convictions are made even more explicit
in the introductory essay, where exposition is supplemented by
an attempt at criticism and evaluation.

Selections are taken exclusively from Buber's writings already
available in English. The translations indicated in the sources
have been employed; although here and there, in the interests
of clarity, I have permitted myself certain modifications upon
comparison with the original.

I desire to express my gratitude to Professor Buber for his
encouragement and for his approval of the selection I have
made, and to Maurice S. Friedman, for his advice and criticism.
Neither, of course, is in any way responsible for my interpreta-
tions and conclusions, which are entirely my own.

WILL HERBERG

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