The Book of Genesis - (Lives of Great Religious Books) by Ronald Hendel (Paperback)

About the Book

During its 2,500-year life, the book of Genesis has been the keystone to important claims about God and humanity in Judaism and Christianity, and it plays a central role in contemporary debates about science, politics, and human rights. The authors provide a panoramic history of this iconic book, exploring its impact on Western religion, philosophy, literature, art, and more.

Book Synopsis

An essential biography of one of the Bible's most influential books

During its 2,500-year life, the book of Genesis has been the keystone to important claims about God and humanity in Judaism and Christianity, and it plays a central role in contemporary debates about science, politics, and human rights. Ronald Hendel provides a panoramic history of this iconic book, exploring its impact on Western religion, philosophy, literature, art, and more. From debates about slavery, gender, and sexuality to struggles over creationism and evolution, Genesis has left its indelible mark on our world and continues to do so today. This wide-ranging account tells the remarkable life story of an incomparable spiritual masterpiece, tracing how Genesis has shaped views of reality--and how changing views of reality have shaped interpretations of Genesis.

Review Quotes

"One of Jewish Ideas Daily.com's 40 Best Jewish Books of 2012"

About the Author

Ronald Hendel is the Norma and Sam Dabby Professor of Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the editor in chief of The Hebrew Bible: A Critical Edition, the coauthor of How Old Is the Hebrew Bible?, and the author of Remembering Abraham.