"He has succeeded in producing a readable introductory text for students with little or no background in Bible. Sandmel is creative in simplifying the history and beliefs of early Israel but without compromising on accuracy."--Paul D. Duertesen, Eastern New Mexico University

"I like the format of the book, since it begins with the prophets and only then moves to the Pentateuch. Sandmel's Jewish perspective is also refreshing."--J.A. Trumbower, St. Michael's College

"Clear, lucid text. Good overview of biblical books."--David Lieber, University of Judaism

"I like Sandmel's emphasis on [the] religious heritage of biblical literature."--Alice L. Laffey, College of The Holy Cross

"Lucidly written....It has many virtues as a manual of instruction: conciseness, fairness to variant views, and historical and religious imagination."--Journal of Biblical Literature

"Superb in its critical analysis...and its full emphasis upon the deep religious insights that give a common core to many of the beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. [Sandmel's] paraphrases of many of the significant passages are excellent."--Lee A. Belford, New York University

Written for students with no prior knowledge of the Bible and no knowledge of Hebrew, this text provides the ideal introduction both to the contents of Scripture and to its magnificent religious and literary stature.