The Hebrew Bible as Literature: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

The Hebrew Bible, or Christian Old Testament, contains some of the finest literature that we have. This biblical literature has a place not only in the synagogue or the church but also among the classics of world literature. The stories of Jacob and David, for instance, present the earliest surviving examples of literary characters whose development the reader follows over the length of a lifetime. Elsewhere, as in the books of Esther or Ruth, readers find a snapshot of a particular, fraught moment that will define the character. The Hebrew Bible also provides quite a few high points of lyric poetry, from the praise and lament of the Psalms to the double entendres in the love of poetry of the Song of Songs.

In short, the Bible can be celebrated not only as religious literature but, quite simply, as literature. This book offers a thorough and lively introduction to the Bible's two primary literary modes, narrative and poetry, foregrounding the nuances of plot, character, metaphor, structure and design, and intertextual allusions. Tod Linafelt thus gives readers the tools to fully experience and appreciate the Old Testament's literary achievement.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

• The New Testament as Literature: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
• The Old Testament: A Very Short Introduction
• The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition
• The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction
• Judaism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
• The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version
• The Bible: A Very Short Introduction
• Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
• The Bible: The Basics
• Jesus: A Very Short Introduction