
An Invitation to Biblical Poetry
Elaine T. James(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 28. March 2022
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-0-19-066492-3 (ISBN)
Description
An Invitation to Biblical Poetry is an accessibly written introduction to biblical poetry that emphasizes the aesthetic dimensions of poems and their openness to varieties of context. It demonstrates the irreducible complexity of poetry as a verbal art and considers the intellectual work poems accomplish as they offer aesthetic experiences to people who read or hear them. Chapters walk the reader through some of the diverse ways biblical poems are organized through techniques of voicing, lineation, and form, and describe how the poems' figures are both culturally and historically bound and always dependent on later reception. The discussions consider examples from different texts of the Bible, including poems inset in prose narratives, prophecies, psalms, and wisdom literature. Each chapter ends with a reading of a psalm that offers an acute example of the dimension under discussion. Students and general readers are invited to richer and deeper readings of ancient poems and the subjects, problems, and convictions that occupy their imagination.
Reviews / Votes
For those looking to understand poetic texts in the Hebrew Bible more thoroughly your book has arrived. James, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, writes an accessible introduction and overview of biblical poetry that winsomely speaks to sophisticated scholars and struggling students alike. By avoiding technical jargon and complex explanations, James makes a much needed contribution to a field that too frequently becomes confusing. * Reed Lessing, Professor of Old Testament, Concordia University, St. Paul * This is the finest introduction to biblical poetry I know, a deeply thought and felt investigation of the aesthetics and intellectual work of the biblical poets. It is personal, precise, and imaginative, a pleasure to read, and an invitation to read with pleasure. * Francis Landy, Review of Biblical Literature * Elaine James's engaging and beautifully written book is a welcome addition to the Essentials of Biblical Studies series that offers timely and approachable entries into important topics. * Brent A. Strawn, Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology * James's An Invitation to Biblical Poetry provides an approachable introduction to the study of biblical poetry. * Micah Barksdale, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry * I would heartily recommend it for anyone with an interest in a more holistic understanding of how biblical poetry works. * Joseph Lam, Review of Biblical Literature *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 143 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
354 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-066492-3 (9780190664923)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
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Elaine T. James
An Invitation to Biblical Poetry
Book
03/2022
Oxford University Press Inc
€30.00
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Elaine T. James
An Invitation to Biblical Poetry
E-Book
11/2021
OUP eBook
€15.49
Available for download

Elaine T. James
An Invitation to Biblical Poetry
E-Book
11/2021
OUP eBook
€15.49
Available for download
Person
Elaine James is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. She studies the ancient literature of the Bible with particular attention to its aesthetic and ecological dimensions.
Author
Associate Professor of Old TestamentAssociate Professor of Old Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary
Content
Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Voices Emotion Ascription and Authorship Multiplicity and Dialogue Prophetic Voicing Gender Psalm 55: A Reading Chapter 2: Lines Parallelism Enjambment Psalm 19: A Reading Chapter 3: Forms Terms Hymns Laments Love Poems Parody Acrostic Psalm 119: A Reading Chapter 4: Figures Metaphor and Simile Personification and Anthropomorphism Metaphors for the Deity Symbols Psalm 65: A Reading Chapter 5: Contexts Three Worlds of the Text Worlds Behind the Text Allusion Prophetic Poetry's Refusals The Poetry of Exile Psalm 137: A Reading Conclusion Index