I saw the dead sea scrolls at the Franklin institute in Philly. It was outrageously expensive. I saw this book there. It is picture book-like, but covers the history, content and significance of the scrolls well (as near as I can tell). ( )

Since the first scrolls were found in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been the subject of passionate speculation and controversy. This book, written by three noted scholars in the field, draws together all the evidence and presents the first fully illustrated survey of every major manuscript, from the Copper Scroll, the Community Rule, and the Temple Scroll to less well-known scripts such as the Florilegium and New Jerusalem. "The Scrolls Revealed" takes the reader through the discovery of the scrolls, and discusses the long and controversial publication process. "The Ancient World of the Scrolls" presents the dramatic historical backdrop against which the scrolls were written and describes Jewish religious life, the pivotal role of the Jerusalem Temple, and competing Jewish sects from the Essenes and Pharisees to the Early Christians. "Inside the Scrolls" provides a unique illustrated catalogue of the contents of all eleven scroll caves, including detailed analysis of every major scroll, and considers the methods of interpretation employed. "The Qumran Settlement" discusses recent archaeological work at the ancient site. "The Meaning of the Scrolls" examines the heated debates over the meaning for ancient Judaism and for Christianity and draws conclusions on the controversy surrounding their authorship.