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{en} James C. VanderKam. R.H. Charles: A Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2023.

Abstract

'R.H. Charles: A Biography' first situates Charles's work in the history of biblical scholarship. The remainder of the book is divided into three parts that draw on material stored in several archives and other sources. The first provides an account of his early life and education in Ireland. Part two is devoted to his Oxford years (1890-1913). Within a chronological framework, the chapters regarding the Oxford period focus on his pioneering work with Jewish apocalypses as evident in his many textual editions, translations, and commentaries. For all of his major publications an attempt is made to assess how his work was received at the time and how it continues to affect the field of early Judaism. The third part furnishes a biographical overview of his work as a canon of Westminster (1913-31). At the Abbey, he carried out pastoral duties but also published books that made contributions to publicly debated issues such as divorce, while at the same time continuing his scholarly endeavours. The volume includes bibliographies of Charles's many publications and of works cited.

Contents

Part 1. The early years (1855-1890) -- Part 2. The Oxford years (1890-1913) -- Chapter 1. The Book of Enoch -- Chapter 2. The Book of Jubilees -- Chapter 3. (Slavonic) Enoch -- Chapter 4. (Syriac Apocalypse of) Baruch -- Chapter 5. The Assumption of Moses -- Chapter 6. Recognition and syntheses 1898-1899 -- Chapter. 7. The Ascension of Isaiah -- Chapter 8. More honors and the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs 1901-1908 -- Chapter 9. The last Oxford years 1909-1913 and the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament -- Chapter 10. The Book of Daniel -- Part 3. The Westminster years (1913-1931) -- Chapter 1. Return to priestly service -- Chapter 2. The topical books -- Chapter. 3. The Book of Revelation -- Chapter 4. Scholarly work 1914-1915 -- Chapter 5. The Chronicle of John, Bishop of Nikiu -- Chapter 6. The Ten Commandments -- Chapter 7. The end of his days.

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