The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall.

The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series.

The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable.

--Volume II--

The second volume of the New Interpreter's Bible completes the Torah with Numbers and Deuteronomy, and begins a look at the 'histories', more precisely termed in the NIB as Narrative Literature, with the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I and II Samuel.

The book of Numbers is addressed by Thomas Dozeman of United Theological Seminary, Dayton. Ronald Clements of King's College, London, looks at the book of Deuteronomy, a book upon which he has published another commentary. Robert Coote of San Francisco Theological Seminary, takes Joshua. Dennis Olson of Princeton Theological Seminary looks at the book of Judges. Kathleen Robertson Farmer, also at United Theological in Dayton, addresses the book of Ruth. Bruce Birch, Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, completes the volume with the two books of Samuel.

Perhaps of special note here is the book of Ruth (why is it that the task of this book is given to a woman, and all other book of this volume to men?). In her commentary, Kathleen Roberton Farmer wrote, 'Reading history through the lens of Ruth is more like looking through a kaleidoscope than a microscope. While the dominant themes of redemption and insider/outsider dynamics remain constant within the story, every rotation of the proposed background against which the story is read causes these themes to fall into a different pattern.' Something similar could be said by many of the commentators about the way the texts are addressed here.

Peter Miscall of the Illiff School of Theology provides a general article discussing Narrative Literature, looking at the relationship of narrative and history, narrative and author/storyteller, and the importance of components such as character, plot, theme and style. Miscall also examines some of the shifting emphases over the past generation of biblical scholarship generally, exploring in a little detail newer theories and methods of literary analysis.

High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!).

--Other volumes available--

The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each.

Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus

Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel

Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith

Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms

Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach

Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel

Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark

Volume IX: Luke; John

Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians

Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation

Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know who to trust.

You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts.

Each text is broken down into discret units (i.e. the Tower of Babel) followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading.

Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.

I am writing a paper concerning Flood stories throughout the early Hebrew and Sumerian regions. This one book had all the information I needed! The other volumes are equally expansive and illuminating. You get not only commentary but thoughful reflection as well. After reading any of these volumes you will walk away with a much better feel for the Biblical material.

This tale reveals nothing can warm a person more than winter's arrival. Walks in the cold, warming beverages and the aroma of something baking combined with interaction among people we love makes for a compelling read. Thank you Ron for taking me to Germany and bringing back memories of my boyhood in East Central Ohio, where the Bavarian influence is hard to overlook.

In this first person account, told with gentle humor and much love, Ronald L. Harmon relates his fascinating experience as a quasi-member of a wonderful German family he has known for 30 years, who live in a Bavarian farm community. Once Upon a Bavarian Winter, a heartwarming story that takes place in the picturesque rural village of Oberammergau, Germany, explores the Bavarian landscape through language, culinary delights, customs and lifestyles. The small village is well known for its woodcarving industry, and Harmon's anecdotes catch the essence of this intricate art: dedication, commitment, and beauty.

Once Upon a Bavarian Winter gives a compassionate account of living in the community where the famous "Passion Play," performed every ten years, provides a notable backdrop for the entire village. The "Passion Play" came into being because of a vow to God during the 16th Century when the Black Plague threatened to wipe out the entire village. The people of Oberammergau promised to provide the world with a remembrance of the martyrdom of Christ, if they would be saved from the Plague. The Plague did, in fact subside and today people from all over the world come to the village to see the play created from a promise made to God nearly 400 years ago.

Throughout the book, Harmon, a well-known artist, and photographer, paints colorful verbal portraits of the neighbors, shopkeepers, and the family about whom he cares so much. The vignettes are sketched with humanity, warmth, and great appreciation and respect for the customs and culture of traditional German life. In the best manner of "innocents abroad," Ronald Harmon knows how to make light of his own blunders and through this descriptive style, allows the images to effortlessly Appear in one's mind's eye, inviting the reader to be an intimate companion on this journey of discovery and wonder.

The chapters contrast the iron-cold of winter snowstorms with the atmosphere of a warm-cozy kitchen and the delights of sumptuous regional cuisine. Recipes sprinkled throughout the book offer the readers a chance to try, for themselves, the German cuisine that brings an extra interest to the book.

The scene on Christmas Eve, when the author stands alone in the living room of his "German's Family's" home, reflecting n a quote by J. M. Barrie, as spoken by a minister when Harmon's father passed away, is really the crux of this remarkable book.

"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December."

This charming, beautifully written book takes the reader on a double journey -- a journey through a tiny German village, where the breathtaking scenery, as well as the kind, friendly, hard working people, warm the heart, and a journey through the life of one incredible German family, as seen through the eyes of their long-time American friend -- artist, photographer and writer, Ronald Harmon. Join Harmon as he celebrates Christmas and New Years with his "adopted" family, and you will experience these holidays in a way you never have before. With each page, you will feel like a child opening his presents on Christmas
Day. In this deeply moving testimonial to love, faith and the important of family, Roald Harmon has given us a wonderful gift.

This is a superb book for any practitioner working in primary care. It covers all important subjects completely and concisely. I used it to review for my boards with the review book that goes with it and I was very prepared. I highly recommend this text.

I found this review book an excellent source of knowledge and simple to understand. This book by passes all the intricate biochemical details and present the meat and potatoes so to speak. The wisdom of the pearls make this book unique. I recommend this book to any professional in a primary care setting.

This is the most comprehensive and concise medical text that I have ever used....so reader friendly. It has over 70 contributors from all over the country.

Having read many books on database marketing, direct marketing, data mining & CRM as a consultant, I appreciate the story line approach heading up each chapter most. Many books fall prone to teaching "at you" rather than guiding the user along "through the experience of doing it".

A second critical factor to look for - once you've gotten through all the introductory books - is finding concrete info on how-to, best practices providing significant content and knowledge. This is the true value-add from the masters: learning is incremental and there must be true takeaways to get the 5 stars.

This said, the authors have made an extremely broad, detailed and well spun story out of a subject matter that can be to say the least, challenging... Moreover, the disciplines of customer analysis, database management & modeling, data mining, statistical analysis, marketing planning are all the focus of reengineering by many of today's major businesses.

Consequently, this book leads nicely and rather naturally into a major subject of the day for many IT & marketeers -- Analytical CRM. As such it is a must read for anyone interested in understanding how A-CRM works in many companies practicing DBM today.

A great next step would be to go from the marketing-IT function(-ing) to the broader enterprise, long-term (relational) infrastructure & practices preached by CRM. Show how the DBM process evolves in to and is transformed by meeting Customer Mgmt strategies. How would DBM work in a enterprise integration, near/real-time, customer interaction CRM initiative?

Finally, as an aside, in reviewing MANY course syllabi across the world in DM/DBM, I've OFTEN found this book as the course text if not mandatory-suggested reading.

I agree -- for all & anyone wanting a good complement to Shepard's seminal work - you can't do any better.

Buy it ! Good reading...

When I first became involved with database marketing in the mid-1990s, and through my tour of graduate school a few years later, books on the subject fell into two categories: basic and trivial, or advanced and impossible to comprehend. OPTIMAL DATABASE MARKETING is the perfect reference for what is probably the majority audience segment: marketing managers, senior executives, list professionals, data processors, professors, and students who want to understand all the elements of strategic planning and analysis *and* gain practical knowledge to apply professionally or in research endeavors.

In OPTIMAL DATABASE MARKETING, you get a wealth of material on two aspects of the process - for the price of one. Co-author Ron Drozdenko does a great job defining concepts and detailing potential objectives when building files. His coverage of technical specifications and issues is particularly useful.

As for the subsequent chapters: I don't think there has ever been a book written which covers database modeling, and statistical techniques germane to direct marketing, as comprehensively and clearly. Co-author Perry Drake manages to leave no stone unturned and yet convey knowledge in a style that's both understandable and easy to follow. This part of the book is worth the cost alone.

This book is an excellent tool for direct marketers who need to develop, manage and optimize a database. Tells what to do... what to avoid... I recommend it highly.

I am a very picky fan of railroad art and have rejected hundreds of images that weren't quite "right" for some reason or another. Once I learned of Howard Foggs detail, I knew I had to have this book and was not disappointed. Each image is wonderfully crafted and has a descriptive caption, as well as other descriptive features in the book. I fully recommend this book to the railroad enthusiast.

From interviews with those who knew or worked with painter Howard Fogg to full-page color examples of his train portraits, this presents an outstanding survey of the 50-year work of Fogg, who only painted trains. From steam locomotives to diesels and landscapes where trains featured, Railroad Artistry of Howard Fogg presents Fogg's best work, gathered by two of his closest friends.

This is truly an beautiful railroad book. I say this from the perspective of one who has been collecting railroad books for over 30 years! Not only are the pictures reproduced in beautiful colors, much the same as the original, the text clearly shows the type of individual Howard Fogg was during his life. It would be my suggestion that if you buy only one railroad book this year it would be this one.

I have the book and have since purchased the cassettes. A must for your family. Wesley Eure does a fantastic job narrating this story.

This is a great book. Both my kids and I really enjoyed it. It's filled with surprises.

Great book! A little boy loses all that his life is only to find out the real meaning of joy and love. Well developed characters - some funny bits. And some tears. Short chapters make this an easy read for children's attention spans. Good classroom book - a chapter a day between Thanksgiving and Christmas during quiet time.

This book has good info and it appeard that Dr. Klatz is married to the idea of "Anti-aging" and "longevity". I applaud his work here and in his prior book. Recently, he and Dr Bob Goldman were sanctioned though by the State of Illinois for listing themselves as "MD's", when in fact they are DO's (doctor of osteopathy). They did do the school work of a MD (in a non-US school) but not the rotations, etc. I hope that this was all cleared up as I would hate to see such a good writer and smart person get caught up in legal mishaps. I do recommend the book.

Ive read almost everything i can find on this topic as im keenly
interested for both myself and for my medical practice , and this is
clearly the best thing yet published on this topic.
Dr klatz gives
specific advice and a series of guides and listings of both
medications and vitamins and nutients that make looking up indications
, adverse reactions and safety issues straightfoward and easy. This
book is well written and chock full of useful information for anyone
seriously interested in the topic of personal health and longevity,
many cudos to Dr.Klatz and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
who are working to make 100 yr lifespans a reality within our own
lifespan.

Im a family doctor and mypatient bought me this book which I reluctantly agreed to look at. I found that i could not put it down, this author actually knows his stuff and presents it in a clear and easily read format. I thought this was going to be unscientific new age hot air, but i was wrong. Antiaging medicineis solid science of the best and most reliable kind. Im now utilizing Dr.Klatz's methods in my practice and by gosh they really do work. This is a very important read for anyone interested in a longer and healthier lifetime.

This book is a good read for anyone who has a limited knowledge of astronomy, especially from a historical perspective. I would have rated it five stars, however I would have like to have seen a little more discussion about celestial mechanics (the movement, alignment, and rotation of the planets) along with illustrations. I found it somewhat cumbersome to intereperet some of the early models of the universe without charts or other illustrations. Overall though a very well written book.

This is a fascinating history of the field of planetary astronomy written by an insider. Dr. Schorn was once head of planetary astronomy for Nasa. As such, he's known most of major figures of the field from the last half of the 20th century. What distinguishes this book is it's very literary style. Dr. Schorn not only knows the field, he writes of it in an engrossing style that the layman can understand. If you have any curiousity about how study of the planets has grown, then languished for decades, only to re-emerge during the space age, then this book is for you.

This book is surprisingly well written and very engrossing. The author never gets ahead of himself--each new nugget of knowledge about the heavens above is evaluated using the science of the day, not with a modern bias. Consequently, you never feel that ancient astronomers were somehow stupid for missing things that are so "obvious" to us, such as the heliocentric model of the solar system or the nature of comets. The very first chapter is an especially good gem--it puts you in the shoes of someone two thousand years ago and asks "what could you logically deduce from looking at the heavens above?" Utterly captivating and a must-read.

The Tacketts have achieved something remarkable with this book. Not only is the quality of the photographs consistently high, but the detailed information within the text is logical and accessible to any diver whether they be experts in marine biology or simply curious fish watchers.
This American husband and wife team seem to have lived many divers dream existence. Travelling the Indo Pacific for 13 years, they would camp on a beach with their own compressor and make three dives a day collecting sponge specimens for medical research.
The scientific information is clear and broken down into digestible chunks, enlivened by well annotated pictures - everything from mantis shrimps eating coral shrimps, to frogfish camouflaged against cup corals. Predation, reproduction, camouflage, feeding and mimicry are all wonderfully explained. And, in keeping with the mood of the times there is a final section on reefs in danger - overfishing, cyanide, pollution etc, complete with appropriate photos including a poignant shot of an octopus trying to cover itself with a piece of broken plastic audio-cassette.
A substantial glossary at the end of the book covers everything from allelopathy to zooxanthellae.
The strength and value of this book is that it is not just a collection of good underwater images, I suspect it will become an invaluable primer for any diver who wants to look at reefs in an intelligent way.

I have been waiting for this book! Burt Jones got me focused on the 'one metre' dive a few years back and I've been enjoying macro critters and muck diving ever since. In this awsome new book, the Tacketts bring you their personal experiences with the macro world and incorportate a great deal of useful information which can help all of us better understand the interrelationships amongst all the critters. That understanding is one of the keys to making better images of the critters.

If you are a diver and you really want to get acquainted with the underwater world, stop swimming and start looking. And this book gives you step by step pointers on how to go about looking and helps you understand what you are seeing.

An avid scuba diver and underwater photographer myself, I own and enjoy many "coffee-table-style" underwater books, as well as a fair collection of field guides to coral reefs and marine life. What I appreciate most about the Tackett's new book is the way it has combined beautiful underwater photography with valuable commentary, annotations, and even arrows defining particular points of interest. "Reef Life" represents a wonderful melding of the science and the esthetics of the marine environment. Equally appealing to adults and children, it has provided me with additional knowledge and appreciation. I now look forward to sharing this appealing new book with my young nephews.

I came across this book about 25 years ago. My roommate and I giggled and laughed and thought this was the funniest book ever written. Nothing else written by Lawrence Block that I have read even comes close to hinting at the warped, devlish sense of humour found in this book. If you can find it, buy it.

I read this book back in the mid-70's, as I made one of the greatest reading discoveries of my life. Simply put, it is funny and engaging, with some unexpected twists along the way. Definitely a good trip to go along on.

Great and weird book. Subterranean Press is bringing out a trade paperback version in the near future.