Includes bibliographical references.

What does "Bible" mean? How many Bibles are there? -- A few basics -- The Bible as a religious book -- Modern approaches to the Bible -- The Bible as "story" and "history" -- The Tanakh--Hebrew Bible--Old Testament. Introduction to the Torah -- Genesis -- Exodus -- Leviticus -- Numbers -- Deuteronomy -- Introduction to the Prophets -- Joshua -- Judges -- 1 Samuel -- 2 Samuel -- 1-2 Kings -- Isaiah -- Jeremiah -- Ezekiel -- The Book of the Twelve. Hosea -- Joel -- Amos -- Obadiah -- Jonah -- Micah -- Nahum -- Habakkuk -- Zephaniah -- Haggai and Zechariah 1-8 -- Deutero-Zechariah and Malachi -- Introduction to the Ketuvim, or, the Writings -- Psalms -- Introduction to Wisdom literature -- Proverbs -- Job -- The Five Scrolls. Song of songs -- Ruth -- Lamentations -- Qoheleth -- Esther -- Daniel -- Ezra-Nehemiah -- 1-2 Chronicles -- The Apocrypha. Tobit -- Judith -- Sirach -- Wisdom of Solomon -- Concluding reflections -- The New Testament. The New Testament: a few basics -- Introduction to the gospels -- Matthew -- Mark -- Luke -- John -- Acts -- Introduction to the letters of Paul -- Romans -- 1 Corinthians -- 2 Corinthians -- Galatians -- Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon -- Philippians -- 1 Thessalonians -- 2 Thessalonians -- 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus -- Hebrews -- Introduction to the general letters -- James -- 1 Peter -- 2 Peter and Jude -- The letters of John -- Revelation -- Epilogue.

"This comprehensive introduction to the various collections of biblical literature used by Jews, Catholics, and Protestants gives the beginner clear, concise, and engaging entries into each book while covering major controversies. The authors show how various biblical books have influenced and continue to have an impact upon western ethics, politics, and, of course, religion. Using artistic renderings and charts, this book is student-friendly but communicates a depth of learning in a responsible and balanced fashion."--Publisher information.