The Story of the Scrolls: The miraculous discovery and true significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls

by Dr Geza Vermes

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran, Palestine, in 1947 was one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, and hidden in caves by an ancient Jewish sect, these mysterious manuscripts revolutionized our understanding of the Bible, of Judaism and the early Christian world.

Geza Vermes is the world's leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, whose English translations brought these extraordinary documents to thousands, and whose life has been inextricably interwoven with the scrolls for over sixty years. In this illuminating book he relates the controversial story of their discovery and publication around the world, revealing cover-ups, blunders and academic in-fighting, but also the passion and dedication of many of those involved. He shares what he has learned about the scrolls and, evaluating passages from them, gives his views on their true significance and what they can teach us, as well as those areas where scholarly consensus has not yet been reached.

Few scholars have been as closely associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls as Vermes. Writing with candour and unique authority, he has created an ideal introduction to understanding these miraculous documents.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Middle East, Judaism, Christianity

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2010

Reviews

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read if you are wanting to know the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls! I’ve been in awe of them for a long time and wondered why our modern church doesn’t talk about them more or reference what was in the 11 caves. I was amazed that they found every book of the Bible except for Esther which I understand is the only book not referenced or commented on in the New Testament!!! I also l love that the books of the Apocrypha were found with the other books. I believe we are supposed to read them to have a better understanding of biblical history. I also loved hearing about the Community Rule book and the details in that. Overall it was a challenging read for me, felt like a college book because of the research and subject matter but I feel stretched and more confident to continue to research areas where I don’t know much about. I think as women, especially homeschool moms who are teachers we need to continue our education into areas we aren’t familiar with and choose books that we are confronted with new thoughts and making connections to what we have previously been taught!

[Greg Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the book having read a review on the Economist's website. I remembered seeing a flurry of books come out on the subject in the early 90s, but never read any of them. After reading this book, I know why there was a "Scrolls fever" in the 90s! You'll have to read it to find out. It's a pretty short read, but covers the history of scrolls discoveries, the obstacles that prevented the free flow of information to the public, and conclusions about what's actually in the scrolls themselves, including some widely accepted, and not-so-widely-accepted theories about what sort of people collected and wrote the scrolls. The reading is a little dry, especially near the beginning when the author covers the history of scrolls discoveries. But it picks up when he gets into their interpretation. Overall, a nice quick read on the dead sea scrolls, great for someone who like me knew next to nothing about them.

[Mike Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an amateur student of religious history. The Dead Sea Scrolls have been studied for over 50 years now and although they do not "change" much of what we know about the bible itself, they do offer much insight into the background of the origin of Judeo-Christian texts. Author Vermes was in his 80's when this was written, and as one of the original experts allowed access to the scrolls, his insights and comments are very interesting. Recommended for students of biblical history.

[Josue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by a very qualified man, is a sweet, historical record of the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls, and their significance with regard to Judaism and Christianity.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geza Vermes is indeed very good. A great summary both of the politics of the discovery of the scrolls (a good example of the brokenness of international academia); alongside how they've contributed to our understanding of Biblical studies and sectarian Judaism of the period. The emphasis is on the fluidity of the text: what the Scrolls reinforce is that pre-unification after the Fall of Jerusalem, the Hebrew Bible's text was surprisingly fluid.

Well-written; would like to read more Vermes.

[Sanjuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few different popular level books on the scrolls, as well as some of the scrolls themselves, and I find the topic fascinating. This book is more narrative driven and far less technical than Timothy Lim's Oxford Short Intro, and better for it, but not quite as engaging as JJ Collins DSS biography.
Vermes covers the discovery, publication, media coverage and controversies of the scrolls very well, but there is where Collins' book is unbeatable. The latter half of Vermes' book, covering the content of the scrolls themselves, is probably the best popular level treatment, so alongside Collins' book this is still required reading for any reading who desires to have a fuller understanding of this important subject. Overall a very good, readable book.

[Thom Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the discovery and investigation into the Dead Sea Scrolls. This short but engaging book Includes information about the scrolls themselves, their discovery, the lengthy process from their discovery in 1947 to their immensely slow publication, all told reasonably clearly by Vermes, possibly the man in the best position to know. If you have any interest in the scrolls, the history of Judaism and an insight into a sect that was around at the time of Jesus, this is well worth investigating.

[Beniamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those that what to know the story of the discovery of the Qumran Scrolls and how the process of revealing them to the normal guys like us happened. Geza Vermes also presents the importance of the scrolls and goes through different theories about the Qumran community. Although not a conservative, I really enojoyed his references to the Bible and his down to earth arguments. Great for those interested in textual criticism as well.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funnily enough, the author described his work The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English as meant to be a “literary” translation of the Scrolls. And yet, this work, the “Story” of the Scrolls is not at all a story but his dissertation—complete with facts, dates, names, references, bibliographies, caveats, provisos, etc—of the history of the Scrolls’ discovery and study. I suppose that’s to be expected from a scholar but, for an actual story, just find the New a York Times article.

[Iris AE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent, finally clears all the rumours that are spread about the Scrolls, and all the myths that recently have been created. Tells the truth, and doesn't look for sensation or revelation, just tells a story about what the Qumran community may have looked like.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative and readable despite the scholarly tone. good preface to reading the scrolls themselves.

[Stephen]

http://www.economist.com/node/1554390...

[Jared]

Interesting but dry

[Ben Sloan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, just dry and uninteresting.

[Delson Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, learnt a lot about the scrolls. There is so much of speculation and so much of misunderstanding about the scrolls. Mostly because people don't know about it. Well, truly an eyeopener.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, well written little book on the discovery, academic battles, content, and publishing of the Qumran Scrolls.

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book, but too complex structure. It seemed dedicated to a group of experts in its first part. Much better the second part, where the author summarizes the findings

[Andre Hermanto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good:
* Seemed to be a complete history of the dead sea scrolls.

Bad:
* Very dry.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightenment, great author

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of details about discovery, authenticity, and access/use in first third of book.
Then moves on to their content and similarity to other known texts. And to the Qumran community.