

Paperback: 500 pages
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (November 7, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 066423030X
ISBN-13: 978-0664230302
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #549,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #335 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Bible Study & Reference > History & Culture #668 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Bible Study & Reference > Criticism & Interpretation > Old Testament #1576 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Bible Study & Reference > Bible Study > Old Testament

Disclaimer: I do know one of the authors of this book personally, but I nonetheless stand by this review as an accurate and unbiased testament to its merits.I bought this book after having contacted one of the author's and asking for some specific insight into their area of expertise. It goes without saying that they were perhaps motivated to suggest this book to me because their name was on it, but I find the material that's included here good "despite" that. The book is straightforward, well written, and easy to understand. At places, it's entertaining - something that can't be said for all academic works.The book is obviously a textbook, but that makes it a good source when researching and the like. It's an excellent reference book that also illuminates particulars in ancient Isreal and surrounding areas.The books thematic approach takes a bit to get used to, but once you've learned how that works, it's - again - straightforward. These "themes" help to make the book a lot easier to read. Although I wouldn't call it a "page turner," it is interesting for some "nighttime" reading.I do have some criticisms about the book, though.1.) The cover seems rather flimsy for a book of this size. It would be better served by either a hardback cover or a sturdier paperback cover. I'm thinking I might have to get the book recovered in hardcover because it's already showing signs of heavy wear even though I haven't really used the book too extensively.2.) The book does a good job trying to appease all sides of the polarized political spectrum that has taken hold of modern society, but it makes for reading that seems a bit problematic.
An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: A Thematic Approach Learn Hebrew The Fun & Easy Way: Hebrew Handwriting - an introduction to cursive Hebrew Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach (with CourseMate Printed Access Card) Amos: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible) Ultimate Bible Study Suite; KJV Bible (Red Letter), Hebrew/Greek Dictionaries and Concordance, Easton's & Smith's Bible Dictionaries, Nave's Topical Guide, (1 Million Links) My Face Book (Hebrew/English) (Hebrew Edition) Koren Talmud Bavli Noe: Vol 25: Bava Metzia Part 1, Hebrew/English, Color Edition (Hebrew Edition) Torah a Modern Commentary/Hebrew Opening (English and Hebrew Edition) Pimsleur Hebrew Conversational Course - Level 1 Lessons 1-16 CD: Learn to Speak and Understand Hebrew with Pimsleur Language Programs Do It Yourself Hebrew and Greek: Everybody's Guide to the Language Tools (English, Greek and Hebrew Edition) Hebrew Word Study: A Hebrew Teacher Explores the Heart of God Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature (A List) Tide Pools & Coral Reefs Thematic Unit SPIDERS Thematic Unit- Reproducible Intermediate A Preacher's Guide to Lectionary Sermon Series: Thematic Plans for Years A, B, and C A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Second Edition Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Second Edition The Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible The Hebrew Bible as Literature: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible