Narrative Art in the Bible [Understanding the Bible and Its World] [Paperback]

Shimon Bar-Efrat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2004

This book offers a systematic and comprehensive review of the fundamental literary aspects of biblical narrative, investigating the characteristics and points of view of the narrator, the shaping of characters, the structure of the plot, time and space, and finally the style. Many examples are provided to clarify the issues discussed as well as to shed fresh light on the narratives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The arguments in these chapters are well-balanced and lucid; a good rhythm of theory and practice ensures a constant stream of to-the-point observation on style, material, and disposition.” —Jan P. Fokkelman (Jan P. Fokkelman )

“It seems to me that in regard to its level there is nothing which can equal it in the entire scholarly literature in this field.” —Uriel Simon (Uriel Simon )

"Bar-Efrat's...book is relatively free of such technical jargon, and when these terms do appear, they are simply and clearly explained.....the book is particularly useful to introduce those who may already be somewhat familiar with the Bible to basic concepts involved in reading it as narrative, although they are left hanging if they want to pursue such concepts much further....his narratological insights remain valuable, and his own writing style is accessible to a wide range of readers."- George Aichele, The Bible and Critical Theory, Vol. 1, Number 3, 2005

"Bar-Efrat’s…book is relatively free of such technical jargon, and when these terms do appear, they are simply and clearly explained…..the book is particularly useful to introduce those who may already be somewhat familiar with the Bible to basic concepts involved in reading it as narrative, although they are left hanging if they want to pursue such concepts much further.…his narratological insights remain valuable, and his own writing style is accessible to a wide range of readers."- George Aichele, The Bible and Critical Theory, Vol. 1, Number 3, 2005

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 295 pages
• Publisher: T&T Clark Int'l (June 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0567084957
• ISBN-13: 978-0567084958
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #891,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Second Book on Narrative Criticism, March 24, 2000

By 

Mark McEntire - See all my reviews

This review is from: Narrative Art in the Bible (JSOT supplement) (Paperback)

Those who have been introduced to biblical Hebrew narrative by simpler books such as those by Robert Alter, Adele Berlin, or Jacob Licht will find a great next step in this masterful work. Bar-Efrat treat the standard subjects of narrative criticism (plot, setting, characters) in beautifully developed chapters. The depth of application to the biblical text is superior to the more introductory works listed above. He is particularly fond of the Books of Samuel and is a brilliant reader of this literature. Those who carefully digest Bar-Efrat's work will have their reading of the Samuel, Daul , and David stories transformed. A tremendous addition to this study is Bar-Efrat's final chapter on "style." Here he develops an understanding of narrative criticism which reveals its vital connections to other contemporary literary methods, particularly rhetorical criticism.