Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls

by Andrew B. Perrin

Unearthing the unfamiliar world behind the Bible

Reencounter the Bible and its ancient and unfamiliar worldDiscern fact from fable about the Dead Sea ScrollsDiscover how the Scrolls continue to mystify and revolutionizeLearn how the Scrolls changed the ways we translate and read the BibleThe Dead Sea Scrolls are a window into an unfamiliar ancient culture and a mirror that reflects our own strange world back to ourselves. The Scrolls simultaneously challenge and confirm what we thought we knew about the Bible, both its worlds and its very words. Though first recovered in 1947, their story continues to unfurl.

In Lost Words and Forgotten Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls, Andrew B. Perrin reintroduces readers to the Scrolls while correcting common misunderstandings and highlighting overlooked issues. Perrin’s tour spans the traditions of ancient Judaism and extends to the “big business” of modern antiquities trading—and the surprising number of forgeries on display in our museums. Along the way, he debunks popular myths and conspiracies.

Genres: History, Religion

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2025

Reviews

[RH · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds, Andrew B. Perrin writes with an ease that makes the history and teachings of the Dead Sea Scrolls accessible to the average reader. His sense of humor adds a light and enjoyable tone to what could otherwise be a difficult subject matter.

Perrin offers a thought-provoking interpretation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, taking into account factors like time, economic shifts, and modern-day culture—elements that influence how we understand the ancient world.

Although my own experience and knowledge of the subject are limited, Perrin does a wonderful job educating the reader through a relaxed, engaging style. His personal touch—especially the story of discovering a map that predated the Dead Sea Scrolls' discovery, along with his references to the Essenes—captured my interest and kept me turning the pages. The discussion of inkwells and a possible scriptorium near the caves sparked my imagination, inviting me to ponder the "what ifs" surrounding it all.

This book was passed on to me, and while I wasn’t obligated to leave a positive review, I genuinely enjoyed Perrin’s tone and insights. I believe both scholars and curious readers alike will find this book thoroughly rewarding.

[Anthony Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds, by Andrew B. Perrin is designed to help readers rediscover the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) by clarifying misconceptions, exposing forgeries, and highlighting the scrolls’ ongoing significance for biblical interpretation. The DSS are not mere historical artifacts but help us to understand Second Temple Judaism, crucial context for our understanding of the origins of Christianity. The book challenges simplistic assumptions, stressing that authentic scholarship demands confronting complex and sometimes uncomfortable truths about textual variations, ancient scribal practices, and modern antiquities markets. Yet Perrin presents these difficult ideas in a very comfortable format for all types of readers.
I particularly appreciated Perrin’s discussions of supernatural elements in the DSS, ideas that contribute to aDivine Council worldview (DCW) and of course, discussion of the Book of Enoch. The DSS texts present an enriched supernatural cosmology, as seen in the Genesis Apocryphon and the Enochic Book of Giants, both of which explore and expand upon mysterious passages like Genesis 6:1–4 and other narratives involving angelic beings, giants, and apocalyptic themes. Perrin encourages readers to approach Scripture with a deeper appreciation for this supernatural context in which it was originally understood.
Ultimately, Perrin’s work points readers to consider the ongoing DSS research driven by technological advancements, the digitization of scrolls, and the necessity of discerning genuine texts from modern forgeries. While the book revisits foundational DSS insights, it remains uniquely valuable by integrating recent scholarly developments in accessible language. Although I think it is primarily beneficial for readers interested in textual criticism and Second Temple Judaism, Perrin’s engaging style, thoughtful humor, and emphasis on the scrolls' contemporary relevance make this book rewarding for any audience.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, well-researched and pretty wide-ranging intro to the Dead Sea Scrolls. As someone relatively unfamiliar with the topic, I learned a lot (the chapter on forgeries alone was super interesting). Easy to recommend for anyone who wants to learn more, but probably too basic for anyone who is more familiar with the topic.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/5jRM87u6whM

[MaryPat Funston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did like the story but the way the author wrote was just confusing to me. Others may like this - it was not that good.