Ecclesiastes Through the Centuries

Reviews / Votes

"A rich tour down many significant streams of Western interpretation of this fascinating biblical book ... Heartily recommended, without reservation." Bible and Critical Theory<!--end-->" "Students of Ecclesiastes have been waiting a good many years for a book like Eric Christianson's study ... Not since the time of Christian David Ginsburg's magisterial commentary Coheleth (commonly called the Book of Ecclesiastes) in 1861 has there been such a thorough survey of the reception history of Ecclesiastes." Lutheran Theological Journal "With the text's many difficult and provocative passages, the reception history of Ecclesiastes is always going to be more interesting than that of many biblical books, and in this erudite but entertaining commentary, Christianson takes full advantage of the rich materials at his disposal ... The introduction and commentary proper cover many topics, from patristic and rabbinic exegesis through to modern science-fiction, with numerous stops on the way ... Christianson is a genial guide throughout, and his own enthusiasm is clear; the book is very well written and accessible, moreover, so that it should appeal to both specialists and a wider public ... Overall an excellent book." Society for Old Testament Study Book List "The Bible's boldest dissonant voice, often muted in the interpretations of theologians, rings out clearly when amplified by the candid commentaries of such eclectic literary masters as Bunyan, Voltaire, Thackeray, and T.S. Eliot. Christianson's book draws the reader into the company of many distinguished earlier readers, admiring and critical alike. Those who, like me, appreciate the dissenting voice of Ecclesiastes will treasure this book as a new favourite about an old one." Bernhard Lang, University of Paderborn "Sophisticated and illuminating at every turn, this is an exemplary history of interpretation. A gem of a book." Harold C. Washington, Saint Paul School of Theology "A fundamental resource on biblical interpretation, especially in the modern world, this book is a winner." International Review of Biblical Studies