An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books Hardcover – August 1, 2007

This was another "required Seminary" book, which simply means it falls into the category of, "I might not have read it unless it was required of me." In many cases, I find some gems, or at least a chapter or so that's a gem, in a book that I am thankful seminary required me to read. There's nothing like some reading direction to force you into new areas, and finding out you enjoy those areas. (I think about reading Kierkegard, and specifically Climacus, earlier than I would have had it not been for seminary; and I loved that experience.)This book, though, didn't make me appreciate the assignment. First, the book is largely a survey. That's not overly surprising; it's listed as an introduction. However, it feels like a collection of statements that are intended -- if you're interested -- to follow the footnotes to the source of those statements. In most cases, because of this approach, I felt little passion from Howard about what he thought. In almost every situation, Howard seemed to take a slightly conservative middle-ground view. But his arguments were never made with much strength; as if he felt arguing too strenuously might make him seem biased.In my reading, I want to interact with a text. That often means the author needs to make an argument; I can then assent, disagree, take part and leave the rest, etc. I want to push against the author, or push with the author. That was not possible often in Howard's work.All that said, there is a lot of good information in this book, and it provides a jumping-off point for the new Old Testament reader who wants an introduction to the issues related to Old Testament scholarship.

I wasn't about to give this book a low rating just because I am completely unsatisfied with the kindle version. I was told this book had real page numbers to reference the locations but it doesn't. You can buy the same book on Google Play with real corresponding page numbers which are essential as most people will need to reference this book, or read assigned pages (for classes). When I spoke with Amazon they were completely unhelpful (a first) telling me that while the book was issued with real page numbers, the kindle version does not support this. This was true of all the text books I bought this semester from Amazon. As great a company as they are this is simply unacceptable. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU NEED TO REFERENCE IT OR USE IT FOR CLASS.That is pretty much true of every text book I have purchased over the last year for my kindle. Good bye Amazon, hello Google.

A great informational text that would appeal to historians as well as theologians alike. It is billed as an introduction, but I thought it delivered more information than I expected that it would. The writing gets a little dense in some places, but I have kept this book on my shelves and still refer to it to get myself in the mindset before I read my Old Testament on occasion.

Simple

Surely a masterly written book that despite its academic focus was this a great pleasureit is informative and well written and easy to manure aroundA wonderful book that I strongly recommend

I purchased this book for my son who is in seminary. He was very pleased. I have enjoyed ordering through Amazon. I have purchased all of his book of this semester through Amazon. Everyone who I have ordered through have been outstanding. I will continue to order his books and mine through this company. Thanks.

very informative for an introduction course resource book

I ordered this book for the purpose of better understanding the historical books in the O. T. Thus far I've not been disappointed.

Great book for review of historical books of the OT! This book will bring you to a deeper knowledge of the OT.