In The Beginning: A New Interpretation of Genesis - Softcover

"Both humble and generous, Karen Armstrong rescues Genesis from purely literary criticism by seeing it as a collection of rather baffling teaching stories, and argues forcefully that we have to struggle for the meanings embedded in the often mysterious text, much as Jacob wrestled all night with God in the shape of an angel." (Independent)

"Superb...a jewel of a study... The entire book is written with the same level of passion and insight...Ms Armstrong has taken a familiar biblical story and made it relevant to our deepest and darkest concerns...a little masterpiece worthy of being a long-treasured companion to the ancient classic she celebrates" (Washington Post)

"Armstrong reveals much about this ostensibly familiar work" (Christopher Hirst Independent)

"Armstrong wants to restore the philosophical to the question of faith, and she does so in an approachable manner" (Lesley McDowell Herald)

The foundation stone of Jewish and Christian scriptures, the power of the Book of Genesis lies in its stories - Creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Joseph. These ancient tales illuminate some of our most enduring and profound problems: cowardice, the struggle with evil, the difficulty of facing past mistakes, achieving a true understanding of our innermost selves. Karen Armstrong traces the themes and meanings of these stories, examining what they can still tell us about the human quest for meaning.