James C. VanderKam is the John A. O'Brien Professor of
Hebrew Scriptures Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame. Among
his many other books are The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible, The
Dead Sea Scrolls Today, and the two-volume commentary on the
book of Jubilees in the Hermeneia series. He also served as an
editor for thirteen volumes in the Discoveries in the Judaean
Desert series and was editor of the Journal of Biblical
Literature from 2006 to 2012.
Alan J. Avery-Peck
"A scholar at the forefront of today's flourishing interest in the
study of ancient Judaism, James VanderKam clearly explains Second
Temple history and religion, including the period's main groups and
institutions and the entire range of literature they produced, from
the Apocrypha to the Dead Sea Scrolls. The period VanderKam covers
is vital to understanding all subsequent Jewish and Christian
history, and his introduction to it is complete, accessible, and
overall top-notch." Amy-Jill Levine
"Combining meticulous historical reconstruction with detailed
commentary on literary productions and archaeological remains,
James VanderKam here offers a comprehensive introduction to early
Judaism that places texts within their proper contexts. His
accessible, engaging style and helpful organization make this
volume ideal for classroom use." Frank Moore Cross
"James VanderKam has written a superb introduction to early
Judaism, including its history, literature, and religious
institutions--a handbook that will be useful to every student or
scholar who is interested in this period. VanderKam's sketch of the
history and literature of the period is written simply and
precisely, unencumbered by footnotes. His book, however, reveals a
full, critical knowledge of the field. His epitomes of the
literature of the period are particularly well done--brief,
generally conservative in discussing debated issues, leaving out
little of importance. New lore from the Dead Sea Scrolls and data
from recent excavations are also well treated. I recommend this
volume without qualification." Publishers Weekly
"VanderKam offers a fine and accessible introduction to early
Judaism. . . Elementary but elegant, this primer is perfect for
classroom or individual use." Journal for the Study of Judaism
"One of the best-written exemplars of its genre. Both its didactic
structure and enjoyable style make it capable of being a widely
read scholarly best-seller."
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