This is a concise yet illuminating guide to the Pseudepigrapha, the Jewish texts of the late Second Temple Period (circa 250 BCE-100 CE) that are not included in the Hebrew Bible or standard collections of the Apocrypha. Designed with the beginning student in mind, the book begins with chapters introducing the Pseudepigrapha, the history of Second Temple Judaism, and the significance of the writings; following chapters then deal with specific literary genres (e.g., biblical expansions, poems, hymns, dramas, testaments, and apocalyptic writings), encouraging readers to appreciate the texts as literature as well as furthering their understanding of the content and significance of the texts themselves. As well as providing helpful introductions to the different genres, the book surveys key issues such as date, authorship, original language, purpose, overview of contents, key theological themes, and significance. Susan Docherty reviews the texts on their own merits as examples of early Jewish religious literature, as well as looking at the light they shed on New Testament theology and scriptural interpretation.
