Voices in the Wilderness, They Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Historical Novel with Maps, Edited Scrolls, and Sources [Paperback]

Aubrey Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

This historical novel (with maps, edited scrolls, and sources) depicts the last days and tragic end of the Essenes, the Jewish sect credited with producing the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS). The story links the Essenes with personages of 'the sect within' (the Nazarenes), some of whom assembled with them in the wilderness near the Dead Sea to participate in the "final war" spoken of in their War Scroll. This war was to involve a conquering messiah, a heavenly host, and the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Aubrey Richardson has written more than just an interesting story. His historical novel is full of details from historical accounts, sectarian texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls, apocryphal texts and commentaries on Biblical material. -- Durwood M Cash, Professor of History - Arlington Baptist College

From the Publisher

The author, a graduate of two universities and a seminary, is by profession an engineer employed by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems. His seven-year assignment to Israel provided opportunity to visit the places of the Bible, learn more about the land, its people, its colorful history and to study the Dead Sea Scrolls (of special interest). In his own words, "soon after arriving in the land I received an invitation to come to the Dead Sea on week-ends. There I could join a team excavating one of the caves mentioned in the Copper Scroll. You can imagine my excitement over having such an opportunity!" There Aubrey met one who would become his colleague throughout the seven-year assignment. This association proved to be instrumental in the exploration of Qumran and numerous caves in the area. After acquiring permits from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), they, working with Archaeologist Hananya Hizmi (IAA) conducted two surveys of Qumran. One involved Tel Aviv University (The Department of Geophysics); the other involved the Cave Research Center of Jerusalem. As a result of their efforts, the IAA became interested in reopening Qumran. This was significant since over forty years had elapsed since the original excavation and scroll-searching activities. During one operation of the opening they uncovered an extension of the Essene village and some ancient vaults but the depth defined by the profiles was not reached. One explanation for the IAA's reluctance to allow deeper excavation may have been due to the "political climate" that exists in the area. One newspaper said the IAA could be accused of conducting a "last minute excavation" before turning over the area (Qumran is in occupied territory!)

Aubrey and his colleague have not abandoned the project they had a major part in beginning. They believe many items (including scrolls, treasures, and Essene community records) are hidden underground, buried in hewn chambers beneath the very surface upon which Khirbet Qumran is located. "That which has been found could be termed as only 'the hem of the garment,' " he says. This belief and his studies, together with the mini-digs in Qumran, prompted this historical novel.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Twenty First Century Pr; with Maps, Edited Scrolls and Sources edition (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966090683
• ISBN-13: 978-0966090680
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,648,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars People of the Dead Sea Scrolls, May 1, 2000

By 

Doug R (Ft. Worth, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voices in the Wilderness, They Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Historical Novel with Maps, Edited Scrolls, and Sources (Paperback)

This historical novel gives some insight into who were these people and why did they write the scrolls. Some intelligent conjecture is used to fill in the story which follows the life journey of a man as he discovers who he is and what he should believe in. At a time of deep religious conviction the Essenes turn into a fatalistic religious group, not unlike some modernistic cults. The reader may draw their own parallels here. A very good read with excellent historical background.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewer from Texas Tech University, February 15, 2000

By 

Ryan (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voices in the Wilderness, They Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Historical Novel with Maps, Edited Scrolls, and Sources (Paperback)

The reader enters into the world of the Essene people shortly after the life of Jesus, during a time of great conflict. With war approaching, we follow the characters in their journey to the city of Sekaka and learn of scrolls being written and treasures being hidden. The author offers an entertaining and educational work by combining historical facts he personally helped discover with an interesting story. A good book for both scholars and those interested in learning more about the time depicted in the Bible.