The Old Testament as Literature: A Very Short Introduction

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Tod Linafelt (professor of biblical literature, Theology Department, professor of biblical literature, Theology Department, Georgetown University)

The Old Testament as Literature

A Very Short Introduction

Tod Linafelt (professor of biblical literature, Theology Department, professor of biblical literature, Theology Department, Georgetown University)

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English

Oxford University Press
24 May 2016

Literary studies: classical, early & medieval; Religion & beliefs

Series: Very Short Introductions

The Hebrew Bible, or Christian Old Testament, contains some of the finest literature that we have. This biblical literature has a place not only in the synagogue or the church but also among the classics of world literature. The stories of Jacob and David, for instance, present the earliest surviving examples of literary characters whose development the reader follows over the length of a lifetime. Elsewhere, as in the books of Esther or Ruth, readers find a snapshot of a particular, fraught moment that will define the character. The Hebrew Bible also provides quite a few high points of lyric poetry, from the praise and lament of the Psalms to the double entendres in the love of poetry of the Song of Songs. In short, the Bible can be celebrated not only as religious literature but, quite simply, as literature. This book offers a thorough and lively introduction to the Bible's two primary literary modes, narrative and poetry, foregrounding the nuances of plot, character, metaphor, structure and design, and intertextual allusions. Tod Linafelt thus gives readers the tools to fully experience and appreciate the Old Testament's literary achievement.ABOUT THE SERIES:

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Tod Linafelt (professor of biblical literature Theology Department professor of biblical literature Theology Department Georgetown University)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 107mm, Width: 170mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 104g
ISBN: 9780195300079
ISBN 10: 0195300076
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 24 May 2016
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Old Testament as Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Linafelt synthesizes a good deal of scholarly research in an accessible fashion and provides the lay reader with a helpful introduction to reading the narrative and poetic texts of the Hebrew Bible. * Kevin Scott, Reading Religion *