"The present work is an attempt to evaluate the contents of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha against the vast background of knowledge that is now available for students of ancient Near Eastern life and culture." (From the Preface) With characteristic understatement, R. K. Harrison embarked on this massive "attempt"--and produced a volume that for scrupulous detail, scholarly rigor, and sheer erudition has remained unmatched for nearly fifty years. Writing from his own apparently limitless scholarship combined with a conservative perspective, Harrison first reviews the entire history of Old Testament criticism and sets the Hebrew scriptures in their full historical and theological context. He then presents a detailed discussion of each Old Testament book, along with a lucid overview of the apocryphal books.Harrison's engagement of the perennial issues and problems of Old Testament scholarship make this classic text a vital foundation for a new generation of scholars. For contemporary Old Testament studies, this highly respected volume continues to be the essential point of departure.