Richard Kalmin

Ancient Jewish and Christian Scriptures

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Ancient Jewish and Christian Scriptures is a treasure trove of fascinating information and insight about a body of literature that in recent decades has attracted an enormous amount of scholarly and popular attention. This book is an extremely helpful and learned guide to the writings that constitute the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, materials not included in the ancient rabbinic scriptural canon or the Christians’ First Testament. Do these writings contribute to our understanding of biblical Jewish and Christian heroes and beliefs, concerning whom canonical texts have traditionally supplied the entirety of our source material, or should we reject the most extravagant claims made on behalf of the antiquity and reliability of this material? Ancient Jewish and Christian Scriptures establishes clearly that we should approach these materials with more nuanced questions in mind.”

The Emergence of Judaism

World Religions

“Marvelously clear and richly insightful, The Emergence of Judaism offers a panoramic view of Jewish history, culture, and religion from its origins until the end of its classical, formative period. Christine Hayes is a brilliant pedagogue and one of the world's leading authorities on ancient Judaism. Her book is a splendid introduction to one of the world's most important and influential religious traditions. It is perfect for undergraduates and educated non-specialists.”