The Story of the Scrolls (2010 Vermès), book

The Story of the Scrolls: The Miraculous Discovery and True Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls (2010) is a book by Géza Vermès.

Abstract

"From the world's leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, Geza Vermes' The Story of the Scrolls: The Miraculous Discovery and True Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls is an ideal introduction to understanding these ancient documents. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran, between 1947 and 1956, was one of the greatest archeological finds of all time. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and hidden in caves by an ancient Jewish sect, these mysterious manuscripts revolutionized our understanding of the Bible, of Judaism, and of the early Christian world. Geza Vermes's English translations brought these extraordinary documents to thousands, and his life has been inextricably interwoven with the scrolls for more than 60 years. In The Story of the Scrolls, Vermes relates the controversial story of their discovery and publication around the world, revealing cover-ups, blunders and academic in-fighting, but also the passion and dedication of many of those involved. He shares what he has learned about the scrolls and gives his views on their true significance and what they can teach us, as well as in those areas where scholarly consensus has not yet been reached."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in London [England] and New York, NY: Penguin, 2010.

Contents

The state of Biblical studies before Qumran -- Epoch-making discoveries and early blunders -- The Ecole Biblique, seedbed of future troubles -- Somnolence -- politics -- scandal -- The battle over the Scrolls and its aftermath -- What is new in the non-sectarian Dead Sea Scrolls? -- The novelty of the sectarian Scrolls -- Unfinished business : archaeology -- group identity -- history -- The Qumran revolution in the study of Biblical and post-Biblical Jud

External links

• [ Google Books]