The Complete World of The Dead Sea Scrolls

by Philip R. Davies, George J. Brooke, Phillip R. Callaway

"Details how the scrolls, one of history's great language troves, depict the tumultuous Judean world of 2,000 years ago."― Natural History Ever since the first scrolls were found in the Judaean desert in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been the subject of passionate speculation and controversy. The possibility that they might challenge assumptions about ancient Judaism and the origins of Christianity, coupled with the extremely limited access imposed for many years, only fueled debate on their meanings.

With all the scrolls now available in translation, conclusions can be drawn as to the authorship and origins, their implications for Christianity and Judaism, and their link with the ancient site of Qumran. This book, written by three noted scholars in the field, draws together all the evidence to present a fully illustrated survey of every major manuscript.

With numerous factfiles, reconstructions, scroll photographs, and a wealth of other illustrations, it is the most comprehensive and accessible account available on the Dead Sea Scrolls. 84 color and 132 black-and-white illustrations

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

216 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks like a coffee table book and is filled with many photographs like such a one, but this is a cut above the usual. An intelligent and extensive review of the Dead Sea Scrolls, it covers their discovery, study, and controversial dissemination. It reviews the eleven caves wherein they and other artifacts were recovered, detailing the contents of the major scrolls and scroll reconstructions. It also discusses the Qumran and other, nearby remains, reviewing the controversies regarding them and their possible relationships with the scrolls, their authors and their readers. Enough of an historical background is provided to situate these remains, archaeological and paleographical, and ground the controversies which surround them.

Don't expect a definitive exposition. This is a review of a still rather open field of study, not a scholarly contribution to such a field. Insofar as one comes away with a 'conclusion' it is that late Temple Judaism was much, much more variegated than hitherto imagined.

[Justin Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book is really only helpful for those who know nothing about the dead sea scrolls.

Still worth keeping on the book shelf if you can find a copy second hand.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has lots of information and photos. It is dry. We still don't know the mystery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and there has been lots of disagreement about who wrote them and why, it seems to change over time. But is an interesting mystery.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting although dry in parts. I loved how the early scroll scolars in the 40's were using scotch tape to peice them together with lit cigarettes dangling from their mouths. On an immamature and frivolous note - the goat herder who discovered the first cave containing scrolls, Mohamed ed-Dib, is one hot Arab. Kinda reminds me of somebody I know.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the dead sea scrolls at the Franklin institute in Philly. It was outrageously expensive. I saw this book there. It is picture book-like, but covers the history, content and significance of the scrolls well (as near as I can tell).

[Rebecca The Files of Mrs. E, · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always wanted to know more about the dead sea scrolls and this book really does answer all your questions. The only downside is that it is a little older so the information might be a bit dated--well, not the history portion.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the Dead Sea Scrolls so I was interested in reading this book when my Mom gave it to me. I'm amazed at how much information was packed into such a short book! This is a fascinating look at the discovery of the scrolls and their history from many perspectives.

[Cws]

296.155

[Rose]

296.15 Dav

[Ilya Kozlov · Rating 3 out of 5]

good , clear review of very complex judaism at Jesus time

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 220.93 DAV

Purchased by Carol FLEMING at the Van Andel Museum Center, May 2003.

Available.

[Mike Ratner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought at Qumran, this was the best and most comprehensive exposition of the historical, religious and cultural background of the Dead See Scrolls available at the store on the site.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good material for learning about the Dead Sea Scrolls with many photographs to illustrate ideas.

[Ig-88 · Rating 1 out of 5]

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