Although it opens with an argument that the earth, and not humanity, is the real subject of Genesis 1-11, this collection of essays focuses first on female personalities in Genesis (Eve, Hagar, Rebeccah, Tamar and the four tribal matriarchs), then on male characters (Abraham, Ishmael, Pharaoh). The treatment ranges from historical-critical analysis, through discourse analysis and narrative, ideological and psychological analyses, to postmodern autobiographical exegesis. Among the many delights of this selection are the mingling of traditional and contemporary perspectives, especially the inter