Book description
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran, Palestine, in 1947
was one of the greatest archaeological 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 the early Christian world.
Geza Vermes is the world's leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, whose
English translations brought these extraordinary documents to
thousands, and whose life has been inextricably interwoven with the
scrolls for over sixty years. In this illuminating book he 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, evaluating passages from
them, gives his views on their true significance and what they can
teach us, as well as those areas where scholarly consensus has not yet
been reached.
Few scholars have been as closely associated with the Dead Sea
Scrolls as Vermes. Writing with candour and unique authority, he has
created an ideal introduction to understanding these miraculous documents.
Geza Vermes's books include
The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English
and
The Changing Faces of Jesus
as well as the 'Jesus' trilogy:
Nativity
,
Passion
and
Resurrection
. He is Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies at the University of
Oxford.
