Apocrypha for Beginners: A Guide to Understanding and Exploring Scriptures Beyond the Bible [Paperback]

Go beyond the Bible with this simple introduction to apocrypha

Whether they were lost, cut, or censored, the various apocryphal stories offer unique opportunities to learn about the histories of Judaism and Christianity while broadening spiritual understanding. But exploring this vast canon of texts alone can be daunting.Apocrypha for Beginnersmakes it simple by offering a guided experience, helping explain each piece's importance and contextualize its place in history.

This standout among religious books includes:

• More than 50 apocrypha—Delve into a variety of apocrypha from different eras and cultures, like the Book of Enoch, the Gospel of Judas, and more.
• In-depth commentary—Better understand each text with a brief summary of its origin, meaning, and cultural significance.
• Easy-to-follow info—Explore the history of Judaism and Christianity with the help of a detailed timeline, canon comparison chart, and index of important individuals.

Take your Bible study to the next level withApocrypha for Beginners.BRANDON W. HAWKis associate professor of English at Rhode Island College, with expertise in Old English, the transmission of the Bible and apocrypha, digital humanities, media studies, and the history of the book. His interests in research and teaching encompass what might be called “transmission studies”: the afterlives of texts, including circulation, translations, adaptations, and re-presentations in various cultures and media.“Apocryphal literature offers a fascinating glimpse into the creativity surrounding the Biblical past in the premodern Jewish and Christian imagination—but it is also infamously confusing. Brandon Hawk here offers a guide of unprecedented scope and clarity, making up-to-date specialist findings accessible to everyone. The result is an invaluable resource for teaching but also a delight to read forls-