The Cambridge Companion to the Bible (Cambridge Companions to Religion) - Hardcover

'What a splendid and rich mine of information compactly and elegantly set out. A real boon to those eager to read the Bible knowledgeably.' Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu

'Truly wonderful book. Clear, concise, illuminating. It will be useful for all of those of us who preach every week, and for the educated person who wants to learn more about the sacred scriptures without being overwhelmed by academic detail. Everyone should have a copy.' Father Andrew M. Greeley, the University of Chicago and the University of Arizona

'The Cambridge Companion to the Bible would enable readers of all traditions to gain more insight into the Bible's narrative. It is as much for the general reader as for the student. It would be an important addition to any library's theological collection, more for a lending than a reference section.' Reference Reviews

'... a work that draws on the best scholarship but seeks to make it accessible to anyone seriously concerned to see the Bible in its historical context ... One of the best features of the book is that it deals with the Apocrypha and the two centuries before Christ as well as the first two or three centuries after his birth. The result is a satisfying sense of continuity.' Richard Harries, The Guardian

'... a useful background study book, written from an academic perspective.' Christianity

' The authors of this volume have accomplished a remarkable feat ... this volume is set to become the standard text for university students, and of ministers who see the importance of keeping abreast of the world of biblical studies.' Baptist Times

The Cambridge Companion to the Bible is unique in that it provides, in a single volume, in-depth information about the changing historical, social and cultural contexts in which the biblical writers and their original readers lived. The authors of the Companion were chosen for their internationally recognised expertise in their respective fields: the history and literature of Israel; post-biblical Judaism; biblical archaeology; and the origins and early literature of Christianity. The Companion deals not only with the canonical writings, but also with the apocryphal works produced by Jewish and Christian writers. The historical setting for the entire range of these biblical writings is depicted and analysed in this volume, with abundant illustrations and maps to assist the reader in visualising the world of the Bible.