Dr. Gross graduated from Colorado State University with the DVM degree in 1960. After ten years in veterinary practice, he enrolled at the Ohio State University and earned the MS and PhD degrees in cardiovascular physiology. He did research and taught at Texas A & M University for 16 years, then accepted a position as Professor and Director of the Cardiovascular Surgery Research Labs at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine a post he held for 5 years. He retired after 12 years as Professor and Head of the basic science department in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. During his academic career Dr. Gross co-edited three multi-authored textbooks and over one hundred scientific articles and abstracts. The first, second, and third editions of his single author text, Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, can be found in most medical libraries. Since his retirement in 2006, he has published 4 historical novels, 3 memoirs, and a self-help book for students. His most successful book, so far, is his memoir of his first year in veterinary practice entitled “Animals Don’t Blush”.
Safe Haven
A Historical Novel
by David R. Gross
Safe Haven
A Historical Novel
by David R. Gross
Published Aug 26, 2022
265 Pages
Genre: FICTION / Historical / Ancient
Book Details
An Influential Jew in Muslim Andalusia
Hasdai ibn Shaprut was a Talmudic scholar who lived from 915-975. He was a linguist fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin, and a renowned physician. The caliph of Cordoba, Abd-ar-Rhaman III, recognized his learning, intelligence, and skills and appointed him court physician, and the inspector general for customs collections. He became a respected diplomatic advisor, particularly when dealing with the Byzantine empire. Shaprut also was appointed Nagid (head) of all the Jews of the caliphate. Because of his great wealth, wisdom, and high rank, he was able to protect and advocate for, not only the Jews of Cordoba, but those Jews throughout the diaspora. He supported and regularly corresponded with leading Talmudic authorities in Babylon and North Africa. An interesting, but disputed, correspondence, written in Hebrew, exists between Shaprut and the Jewish king of the Khazar empire. Shaprut dispatched his personal envoy to travel to Atil, the Khazar capital, to ascertain if the Khazars were, in fact Jewish, and if so, would it be possible for Jews escaping persecution to find safe haven within its borders.