The Bible is one of the most influential and profound texts in human history - it is disturbing, unconventional, and never content with the world as it is. This classic introduction presents a concise and accessible guide to all aspects of biblical study: the nature and purpose of the Bible; how biblical writers wrote; the making of both Old and New Testaments; the making of the Apocrypha; what was left out and what kept in the Bible and why; and how the Bible has been shaped by and continues to shape religion, culture and politics. Completely revised and updated - and considerably extended with much more material on the making of the Old and New Testaments - this third edition takes full account of recent developments in scholarship. It includes maps and a glossary of key terms.

"Professor Rogerson's Introduction provides all the information necessary for reading the Bible with pleasure and profit, and it does so in a clear and concise way without fuss or condescension. Based on years of teaching, it covers a remarkably broad range of issues from the formation of different canons in different communities to the use and abuse of biblical texts in forming opinion on such contemporary issues as capital punishment and reproductive rights. It is a special boon that it covers both the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament. This is the best Introduction that has come my way in a long time.'"

Joseph Blenkinsopp

"Rogerson's superb book belongs in all libraries.'"

Source: Choice

"A complete introductory work accessible to a public of non-specialists interested in the development of modern scientific exegesis. The rich selection of examples and the depth of reflection would be of interest to pastors, pastoral agents and students.'"

Source: Review of Biblical Literature