Collins, John J.

A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: And Deutero-canonical Books [Third Edition]

Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2018.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD BEHIND THE OLD TESTAMENT.
Written by one of the foremost scholars of biblical studies, this widely used introduction provides a clear and accessible survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Deutero-canonical books.
Designed for students, teachers, and general readers, the volume places the biblical texts within their historical, literary, and religious contexts while presenting current scholarship in an approachable format.

Collins examines the formation, themes, authorship, and historical background of the major books of the Hebrew Bible, while also addressing the Deutero-canonical writings and their place within Jewish and Christian traditions. Fully illustrated in color, the work combines scholarly rigor with visual appeal, making it a valuable resource for classroom use, personal study, and reference collections.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's illustrated hardcover issued without dust jacket. Measures approximately 9.25 inches tall. 406 pages with index. Fully illustrated throughout in color with maps, photographs, artwork, charts, and explanatory features.

CONDITION: Fine. Issued without dust jacket. No flaws or blemishes beyond minimal shelf handling. Still Gift Quality.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
John J. Collins is among the most influential contemporary scholars of the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism. His works have shaped modern biblical scholarship and are widely assigned in universities and seminaries. This third edition reflects current research while maintaining the clarity and breadth that have made the book a standard introductory text in the field.

Collins presents the Hebrew Bible as both a religious text and a historical document, illustrating how generations of authors, editors, and communities shaped the writings that became foundational to Judaism and Christianity. The book captures the complexity of biblical literature while remaining accessible to readers encountering the material for the first time.

A particular strength of this edition is its balance between scholarship and readability. Archaeological discoveries, historical background, literary analysis, and theological themes are presented alongside abundant visual material that helps situate the biblical world within the broader history of the ancient Near East. The result is a volume that serves equally well as an introduction, a course text, and a long-term reference work.

SUBJECTS: Hebrew Bible; Old Testament; Deutero-canonical Books; Biblical History; Ancient Israel; Jewish Studies; Religious Studies; Biblical Scholarship; Second Temple Judaism; Ancient Near East, Biblical Studies; Religious History; Theology.

Item #22100
ISBN: 9781506445991

Price: $24.00