One of France’s most famous intellectuals is releasing a book which emphasises Jewish identity and celebrates Jewish culture and thought.

Bernard Henri-Levy’s new work, The Genius of Judaism, will be published in English on January 10. It includes chapters on “The strength of the Jews”, “How Modern Judaism Abolished the Idea of Revolution”, and asks “Does God arrive as an idea or through faith?”

A large part of the book reportedly focuses on the works and ideas of famous Jewish scholars and commentators, including Rashi, the Rambam and the Sforno. One of the ideas it promotes is that the concept of the Jews as a chosen people refers to their role as keepers of “a treasure of knowledge”, rather than being a boast of their primacy over others.

In an interview with the Jewish Telegraph Agency, the philosopher said his latest work “in a certain manner sums up my life, holds the key to my endeavours and traces the roots of my worldview”.