Oxford Bible Atlas [Paperback]

Herbert G. May (Editor), John Day (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 1985 | Series: Atlas

The most recent advances in biblical, archaeological, and topographical scholarship have been incorporated into this long-respected work, bringing it up to date and making it essential for all students of biblical history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 edition (January 10, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0191434515
• ISBN-13: 978-0191434518
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #247,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oxford Bible Atlas, March 25, 2001

By 

J. Lindner (Gem Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oxford Bible Atlas (Paperback)

The Oxford Bible Atlas, edited by Herbert G. May, is a detailed, extremely useful book that will heighten anyone's general understanding of biblical geography. It contains more than maps as it delves into the history behind the maps, and the archaeology behind the history. It cites biblical sources but also cites apocryphal books unfamiliar to most Protestant readers. The end result is a colorful, informative work that helps place both Old and New testaments into perspective.

The book is divided into three sections, the first introducing the ancient world, then the several maps, and concluding with an archaeological overview. Part one blends seemingly incompatible topics of biblical and geologic history. It includes biblical and secular accounts of ancient history. The atlas does not attempt to expound too greatly on the "Holy Land" as being somehow superior in importance. In fact the Holy Land occupies an important crossroads between east and west more so than it stands as a regional religious center of its own merit. Those who held power such as David, Herod, or even Pontius Pilate were rarely more than a regional or even local rulers who paled in stature when compared to Alexander or any of the Roman Emperors.

The map section covers most of the primary locations mentioned in the Bible, and illustrates the vastness of the biblical lands. Many maps retain ancient place names, though the primary focus is on the Near East. There are some areas not covered, such as the city of Tarshish, Jonah's destination when he attempted to flee from his responsibilities, and the route of the Exodus does not take them across either the Red Sea, or either the modern Gulf of Suez or Gulf of Aqaba. But these apparent omissions do little to detract from the overall effectiveness of the maps.

The final section is akin to a primer on biblical archaeology. It introduces Carbon 14 dating, how a site is developed, and a brief history of archaeological efforts in the region. It shows how cultures are understood by what has survived through the ages, and helps fill gaps when written records are not available.

The end result is a very informative atlas that readers of many different backgrounds will appreciate.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon is the bomb, January 4, 2012

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dn110699 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oxford Bible Atlas (Hardcover)

this was another great purchase...I cannot say anything bad about any purchase I have made with Amazon. I will continue to shop here. Thanks a million.

5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't know what to expect, November 3, 2011

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Avid Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oxford Bible Atlas (Paperback)

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book for class.I was prepared to send it back should it prove to be the wrong item. I was SO excited to see that it was exactly what the instructor requested and it was so user-friendly and in such great condition. The seller sends out merchandise in record time. This item will be used over and over again.