Volume XVII: Tractate Sanhedrin, Part III discusses rules governing the cross-examination of witnesses, cases in which witnesses contradict one another, and self-defense. It sets down rules governing the execution of a condemned man and includes several favorite stories about the sages.

Volume XVIII: Tractate Sanhedrin, Part IV addresses four modes of execution. It discusses the basis for non-Jewish or "natural" law (as opposed to divine law). And the question of whether a society can establish a universal standard of morality.

These new volumes have full-cloth binding, gilt-edged pages, a ribbon marker, and award-winning line art -- features that made previous volumes great additions to home libraries as well as cherished gifts. Celebrated as a "great achievement" by The New York Times, The Talmud: The Steinsaltz Edition is an invaluable source for the timeless wisdom of Jewish tradition, law, and legend.