Encyclopedia Of The Dead Sea Scrolls Box Set Books 12 1st Lawrence H Schiffman Editor by Lawrence H. Schiffman (editor), James Vanderkam 9780195084504, 9780195137965, 9780195137972, 0195084500, 0195137965, 0195137973 instant download after payment.

The watershed in modern scrolls history a decade ago (when the entire text, whose release had been held up by scholars for years, was finally made available) made it possible for research to proceed at a pace necessary to produce this work. This volume is a current, comprehensive guide to the fruit of 50 years of scrolls scholarship. Alphabetically arranged articles treat archaeological sites, material, and writings as well as ancient beliefs and practices, contemporary history and individuals, related ancient texts, and scrolls research. The articles are extensively cross referenced, and a «synoptic» outline of the contents separates articles by theme. The continuing divergence of scholarly opinion on the scrolls is reflected in the list of contributors and often is evident in the articles themselves. While most of these articles are accessible to lay readers, some may prove to be a challenge. For example, «Mird, Khirbet» contains architectural terms--without explanation--that are likely unfamiliar to nonspecialists. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the EDSS is the lack of illustrations, which may further frustrate lay readers. Minor criticisms aside, though, this volume promises to be a necessary part of academic collections and should be considered for larger public libraries as well.