Abstract
Susan Docherty has produced a first-rate introduction to an increasingly complicated collection of ancient Jewish texts. The scope is far-reaching, and it serves as an entry point into the subject matter. Absent are extensive referencing and footnotes entangled with scholarly debates in favor of an eminently readable entry point for the novice reader. In her introduction (ch. 1), Docherty provides a general historical orientation to the Second Temple period. She also explains the importance of current debates about the provenance of these writings while herself erring on the side of inclusiveness.
The writings are arranged according to literary genre, for the nature of each of which the author provides an overview before moving into a discussion of examples. Issues such as authorship, historical context, key features, theological themes, and interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures are typically discussed. Docherty then summarizes other examples before explaining the significance of the literature belonging to that particular genre and providing a bibliography for further reading.
The genres and texts begin with ‘Rewritten Bible’ (ch. 2), including Jubilees and Biblical Antiquities of Pseudo-Philo. ‘Para-biblical literature or biblical expansions’ (ch. 3) are Joseph and Aseneth and the Life of Adam and Eve. In the next chapter (ch. 4), the ‘Non-narrative literature’ of Exagoge of Ezekiel the Tragedian, the Psalms of Solomon, and the Sibylline Oracles are addressed. ‘Testaments’ (ch. 5) include those of the Twelve Patriarchs, Job, Moses, and Abraham. 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, and 2 Baruch comprise ‘Apocalyptic Literature’ surveyed in chapter 6. A thoughtful conclusion (ch. 7) considers the enduring value of these writings and some ‘future directions’ for their study.
Throughout the book the author is hesitant to synthesize disparate texts, yet careful to bring points of similarity and difference to the readers’ attention. Her handling of terminology such as ‘apocalypse’ illustrates the maturity and care with which Docherty is able to sort complicated material in an accessible way what is both accurate and current. These are skills that typify the book as a whole and are capably put to service in providing an excellent introduction to the Jewish Pseudepigrapha for the general reader.