Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History: Origins, Upgrades, Present Text

"In Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History Campbell and O'Brien have provided a useful tool for getting at the debate over the composition of the Deuteronomistic History, without neglecting the outlook and theology of the work as a whole. Each page is packed with information that is, nevertheless, readily accessible. The formatting of the biblical text allows the reader to see at once the layers that the authors reconstruct, and their annotations clearly explain the reasons for their judgments. This is the place to begin the study of any passage in the Deuteronomistic History."-Steven L. McKenzie, Rhodes CollegeAuthor of The Trouble with Kings"Antony F. Campbell and Mark O'Brien's monumental work represents critical thought at its best. Written in a style that is thoroughly imaginative and engaging without sacrificing the erudition of great scholarship, this work is not only researched meticulously but also offers a new approach to reading and understanding the Deuteronomistic History. This study challenges traditional methods and findings of historical criticism while attempting to be faithful to the text at hand in relation to making sense out of the present text. Comprehensive yet selective introductions to the books of Deuteronomy through 2 Kings set the stage for a thorough analysis of each book of the deuteronomistic historical books. Offering a major contribution to the biblical field, Campbell and O'Brien's work is sure to become a classic that will inform all future work to be done in this area."-Carol J. Dempsey, University of PortlandAuthor of The Prophets (Fortress Press, 2000)Antony F. Campbell, S.J., is Professor of Old Testament at Jesuit Theological College, Melbourne, Australia. He is author of numerous works including A Study Companion to Old Testament Literature (2nd ed., 1993).Mark A. O'Brien, O.P., is Professor of Old Testament at Yarra Theological Union, Melbourne, Australia, and the author of The Deuteronomistic History Hypothesis (1989).