Invitation to the Apocrypha

by Daniel J. Harrington

Book Overview

In this volume a leading biblical scholar helps readers rediscover the ancient books of the Old Testament Apocrypha. INVITATION TO THE APOCRYPHA provides a clear, basic introduction to these important--but often neglected--ancient books that is ideal for personal study, churches, and classroom settings. Using the latest and best scholarship yet writing for those new to the Apocrypha, Daniel Harrington guides readers through the background, content,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802846335
• ISBN13: 9780802846334
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A book that is long overdue

This book represents the first survey of the Apocrypha since Bruce metzger's Introduction to the Apocrypha in 1957. This is also the only survey of the Apocrypha that includes 3 and 4 Maccabees and Psalm 151, which are included in the Bible of the Orthodox churches. Daniel Harrington only very briefly discusses the history of the canonical status of these books; one should look elsewhere for further information on this subject. The focus of the book is a summary of each of the 18 books of the Apocrypha. Here the author does an outstanding job; providing for each book background information, a well written and thorough summary of the contents, and the significance of that book. The author is clearly knowledgeable about and familiar with these books. The author's focus on the issue of suffering in the books of the Apocrypha further adds to the value of this book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about the contents of the books of the Apocrypha.