In the past, study of the Old Testament has been dominated by what is often called the 'historical-critical' method, which was careful analysis of individual books with great emphasis on historical context and concern to isolate what was original and most important. This volume not only retains the values of adopting this traditional approach, but also outlines the alternative understandings of the Old Testament which have gained currency in recent years. Exploring these less conventional ways of looking at the Old Testament, Coggins introduces sociological and anthropological, feminist and liberation perspectives, and literary criticism. In this new edition, Coggins looks again at key issues in the light of recent scholarly developments, addressing contemporary debate on historical questions, radical developments in the field of archaeology, and considering women's readings in a separate chapter.This introductory volume offers students a concise and engaging discussion of the different perspectives available in Old Testament scholarship.About the Author: Reverend Richard Coggins is now retired, and was formerly Senior Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at King's College London