First published in 2004. The Biblical World is a comprehensive guide to the contents, historical setting and social context of the Bible. It presents the fruits of years of specialist study in accessible form and is essential reading for anyone who reads the Bible and would like to k ow more about how and why it came to be. Volume One begins with an overview of the full range of Biblical material (Old Testament, Apocrypha and New Testament), before going on to more detailed discussion of the major genres of Biblical literature- from myth and prophecy to poetry and proverbs. The contributors also consider the ways in which the texts have been transmitted, the significance of parallel and related versions and past interpretations of the Bible. Explorations of the historical background are complemented by the findings of archaeology, and discussion of matters such as language, law, administration, social life and the arts offers a fuller understanding of the social and cultural setting of ancient Israel and the early Christian churches. Major figures in the Bible – including Abraham, Jesus and Paul – are studied in detail, as are its central religious concepts, such as salvation and purity. Volume II concludes with a survey of how the Bible is studied and seen today. Written by an international collection of acknowledged experts, this monumental work will be an invaluable resource for students, academic and clergy, and for all to whom the Bible is important as a Religious or cultural document.