'The Cambridge Companion to the Bible was a remarkable contribution when it was first released in 1997, which only makes the achievements of this thoroughly updated Second Edition all the more impressive. The abundance of stunning new photos from Todd Bolen, the additional sidebars of useful, contextualized information, the new maps in each section, and the revised bibliographies and main text all make the Second Edition an essential book for serious students, clergy, and general readers alike.' Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
'This resource book offered by Cambridge University Press is a rich, accessible, and reliable reference. It provides state-of-the-art scholarship that connects each of the Biblical books to its socio-historical context. Its offer of 'social history' is broad and deep. Such a perspective is crucial in the current 'battle for the Bible,' and the work here is exceedingly well done. Its publication will immediately make it a primary reference for serious students of the Bible.' Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
An excellent update of a masterful work! The Cambridge Companion to the Bible, Second Edition is packed with indispensable information for understanding the world's best-selling and most influential book. It somehow manages to be both studious and exhilarating, thorough yet remarkably concise. No other Bible companion is as competently informed by modern archaeological research or by historical analysis of the societies for which the biblical writings were produced. The main text, trustworthy and illuminating in its own right, is supplemented by more than 250 sidebars that render the volume ripe for browsing and provide a wealth of information on intriguing topics. As a bonus, the Companion also treats the significant apocryphal works that did not come to be numbered among the 'sacred sixty-six' books of the Christian canon but that are revealing of Jewish and Christian religion nevertheless.' Mark Allan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary and author of Loving Jesus
'A clear, up-to-date and authoritative account of the Bible by the leaders of the field, the new edition of the Cambridge Companion defines the context in which the Bible is read for history, literature, religion and theology, the best path into Scripture now in print.' Jacob Neusner, Bard College, Distinguished Service Professor of the History and Theology of Judaism
'The text has been revised and updated and the volume includes numerous photographs and maps not found in the previous edition. ... [It] is clearly written and nicely produced and will provide a useful resource for students and all who are interested in the Bible and its world.' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
