Max Weber's study of the sociology of religion of ancient Judaism, which was completed shortly before his death, is methodically his most mature work and in this respect it is the sum of Max Weber's works on the sociology of religion. It shows how ancient Judaism, in overcoming the ethic of magic, was significant for the emergence of the rational spirit of the modern age. This volume presents the scholarly public with a comprehensive handwritten manuscript by Max Weber on ancient Judaism, written between 1911-1913, which shows the origin of Max Weber's studies of ancient Judaism in a new light.