The Jewish Pseudepigrapha: An Introduction to the Literature of the Second Temple Period
Designed with the beginning student in mind, this volume introduces the reader to the books that did not make it into the Bible or the Apocrypha but that remained popular among Jews and early Christians for centuries. These writings take various forms, such as novels, poems, apocalypses, the fictional deathbed speeches of biblical characters, and even attempts to rewrite well-known parts of Scripture. The book draws out the main religious ideas of these writings and links them to both their original historical setting and to issues of concern today.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781451490282
- eBook ISBN 9781451496727
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Pages 208
- Publication Date April 1, 2015
Endorsements
“Anyone with a serious interest in the Bible needs to know about the Pseudepigrapha—that rich collection of Bible-like compositions from the Second Temple period which did not make it into our canon of Scripture, but which throw a flood of light on it. The study of the Pseudepigrapha in recent decades has become highly technical, hard for nonspecialists to follow. Susan Docherty offers a clear and concise introduction, based on impeccable scholarship, which opens up this fascinating world to students and general readers.”
—Philip Alexander
Emeritus, University of Manchester
“This volume offers an authoritative and accessible introduction to an ancient corpus of religious texts neglected by the mainstream Judeo-Christian tradition and largely beyond the reach of a wider readership. Docherty skillfully introduces the key representatives of this complex corpus of literature in a style that is both informative and eminently readable, with a distinctive emphasis on the enduring significance of these ancient texts. The inclusion of up-to-date further literature opens the vibrant scholarly discussion surrounding this material to those who wish to dig deeper. Docherty’s introduction is a must-have for all theological libraries and is likely to become a standard resource on reading lists across the globe.”
—Charlotte Hempel
University of Birmingham
—Philip Alexander
Emeritus, University of Manchester
“This volume offers an authoritative and accessible introduction to an ancient corpus of religious texts neglected by the mainstream Judeo-Christian tradition and largely beyond the reach of a wider readership. Docherty skillfully introduces the key representatives of this complex corpus of literature in a style that is both informative and eminently readable, with a distinctive emphasis on the enduring significance of these ancient texts. The inclusion of up-to-date further literature opens the vibrant scholarly discussion surrounding this material to those who wish to dig deeper. Docherty’s introduction is a must-have for all theological libraries and is likely to become a standard resource on reading lists across the globe.”
—Charlotte Hempel
University of Birmingham