Robert Grant (emeritus, U. Chicago) and David Tracy (U. Chicago) have come together in this small book to give perhaps the finest concise history of biblical interpretation that you can find for the money ... Yes, it leaves out some theologians and interpreters, maybe your favorite ones, but the book is not meant to be exhaustive. Nevertheless it almost manages even this, since I cannot think of someone you NEED to know about that you won't have studied after having read this little tome. There is a very nice biblography, a good index (includeing references in the notes as well), though no scriptural index. This is not a real problem, however, since this is not a book of exegesis per se, but the history of exegetical problems and traditions.

The book is divided into two parts, historical and theological. That may not be an exact divide in a book on biblical interpretations, but it serves. Grant writes part one, and manages to give a good overview of all (and excellent investigation of others) of the various readings of the text, Old and New. In 150 pages of non-technical language, Grant leads the reader from Jesus and first-century Jewish readings of the Bible, and the development of Christian texts into a "testament," all the way to modern (20th century) Protestant ways of reading, without leaving out anyone who figures largely or less-largely in the history of interpretation. Quite a feat, but he is successful, at least within the scope that this book sets for itself. It is not for the specialist, but the specialist can certainly benefit from it as a reference book and quick look-up tool (and who doesn't need that from time to time?) David Tracy's contribution is part two, a theological and hermeneutical look at biblical interpretation, interpretaiton theory, critical theory, and prospects for the future. As in Grant's earlier chapters, Tracy gives just enough information to be helpful, but not enough to be daunting.

With a top scholar in biblical studies and a top scholar in theological studies coming together in this book, it makes it a volume hard to avoid owning, especially for the student or educated layman. Here is a suggestion, as a matter of fact: this would be an excellent adult study book for churches--pastors and vestries take note! If you are in the position to need a history of how the biblical texts have developed and been interpreted (the multifariousness of interpretations might well shock you), this is a great little book to own. I highly recommend it without reservation.

This short, concise book gives a clear and easily understood history of the interpretation of Scripture. The author examines the way the Bible has traditonally been interpreted and then shows how these historical approaches have contributed to our contemporary understanding. While this book may be of particular interest to clergy, teachers, preachers and students, it is free of specialized theological and exegetical terminology and is a valuable resource for anyone who reads the Bible. Highly recommended

While finding a complete copy of Irenaeus' 5 volume set is difficult, this work is a fine stepping stone on the way to commiting oneself to delving into the lunicy of Gnostic "thought."

In essence, this work is accurately described as a "best of" Against Heresies. Not exhaustive by any means, this volume stills provides more than enough to chew on for those who have never been properly introduced to the approach, style, and "tact" of this surprisingly entertaining apostolic leader.

As a manager of two large Christian book stores, I highly recommend it!

I used this book during my MBA in City University Business School, London and found it extremely helpful. It covers most of ground and guides the reader through different approaches showing them their pros and cons. It takes the magic out of many complicated concepts and make them accessiable. In some few parts it lacks detail but if taken as an introductry book to business strategy, it serves that purpose well. As a strategy consultant, I always keep it on my self with my favorite "The Mind Of The Strategist".

Great book by someone who is serious about the subject! No "The Art of Strategy according to Lord Nelson" or the like. After reading the book, the reader will be able to think about strategy and judge strategic thinking as applied to real cases. But, better still, it will make the reader curious about strategy and willing to look further into some of the many good references given in the book.

This book was used as our main textbook for Business 184 class taught by Dr. P.Skilton. As an actual user of this book, I believe that the details this book provided are unique in the way that they offer good understanding on what business strategy is about. The book answers the ultimate question, "What is strategy?" by distinguishing strategy from plans and tactics. Additionally, it provides insights to different types of strategies, advantages/disadvantages of each, and actual cases of usage. However, this is not to say that the book is without shortcomings, it creates some confusion in a few tables (and I still believe it's in Ch.2...for those of you doing projects for Dr.Skilton's class, watch out cuz that's one thing he is gonna ask you to do for SURE!). Yet, I believe the real merit in this book could only be discovered through reading the book. >_<