This is a text-only paperback edition of The Oxford History of the Biblical World. a comprehensive survey of the world from which the Bible emerged. Chronologically ordered, it is an authoritative synthesis written by leading scholars and incorporating the latest archeological discoveries and current methodologies. Chapters present a readable and integrated study of the history, art, architecture, languages, literature, and religion of biblical Israel and early Judaism and Christianity in their larger cultural context. For the paperback edition the maps and tables will remain intact. However, Coogan selects an eight-page black and white insert from the original art program. The art insert compiles the most visually compelling and historical important items that are illustrative of the text.

Table of Contents

In the beginning: the earliest history, Michael D. Coogan; before Israel Syria-Palestine in the Bronze Age, Wayne T. Pitard; bitter lives - Israel in and out of Egypt, Carol A. Redmount; forging and identity - the emergence of Ancient Israel, Lawrence E. Stager; "There Was No King in Israel" the era of the judges, Jo Ann Hackett; kinship and kingship - the early monarchy, Carol Meyers; a land divided - Judah and Israel from the death of Solomon to the fall of Samaria, Edward F. Campbell, Jr; into exile - from the Assyrian conquest of Israel to the fall of Babylon, Mordechai Cogan; Israel among the nations - the Persian period, Mary Joan Winn Leith; between Alexandria and Antioch - Jews and Judaism in the Hellenistic period, Leonard J. Greenspoon; visions of kingdoms - from Pompey to the first Jewish revolt, Amy-Jill Levine; churches in context - the Jesus movement in the Roman world, Daniel N. Schowalter; transitions and trajectories - Jews and Christians in the Roman Empire, Barbara Geller; chronological table of events.

Reviews

Coogan (religious studies, Stonehill Coll.) has assembled a dozen scholars with impressive credentials in ancient Near Eastern studies to assist him in creating this work of immense scope. These contributors bring varied perspectives to their work as they draw from new primary and secondary sources based on recent archaeological excavations (often their own) and on translations of texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Organized chronologically, the essays explore the many cultures of ancient Canaan, Israel, Judea, and Palestine from 10,000 B.C.E. to the rise of Islam in the seventh century C.E. Illustrations, maps, charts, chronologies, and bibliographies enhance the uniformly well-written essays. But the strengths of the work are its currency and breadth of coverage and perspective. Appropriate for all libraries with collections in religion or Near Eastern studies, and of particular interest to students of biblical history and archaeology. [For another book edited by Coogan, see The Illustrated Guide to World Religions, reviewed on p. 72.‘Ed.]‘Linda V. Carlisle, Southern Illinois Univ., Edwardsville

this work is one of solid scholarship. It is informative and very suitable for student use and for the general reader. James Barr, Times Literary Supplement This is a significant contribution to the field, and will be very helpful to students of biblical studies, and for others who seek an up-to-date and comprehensive "history of the biblical world". Joseph Sobb, Journal of Religious History