The Art of Biblical Narrative

In this radical approach to the Bible, an acclaimed Hebrew scholar and translator looks at the Old Testament with a fresh perspective.

With a fundamental return to its narrative prose, Robert Alter translates this section of the Bible through the eyes of a literary critic. He considers the Bible as literary text, guiding readers to approach scripture in a profoundly thoughtful way, proving himself to be a timeless poet in his field.

• Winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought
• "A groundbreaking study that encourages us to look beneath the theological surface of the biblical text to glimpse its beating heart."
  Jonathan Kirsch, Los Angeles Times
• "[An] admirable book....It is truly extraordinary that such familiar tales as those of Joseph and David should acquire so much detail and color, as if perfectly restored."
  New York Times
• "The results of [Alter's] work give the Bible a fresh voice for a new generation of readers."
  Christian Science Monitor
• "This clearly written book should please anyone interested in the fundamentals of storytelling."
  The Washington Post
• "In its day, “The Art of Biblical Narrative” was subversive. … The book was — and remains — a surprise hit; it opened up an old, mysterious and often maligned text for the first time to many readers. And though academic critics have argued with Alter’s approach, they have never been able to ignore it."
   
  New York Times