Along with an overview of the Hebrew Bible, including introductions to each book, Gottwald provides social analysis of ancient Israel and how these books fit into that society. His acute treatment of literary genres, social conflicts, and contemporary scholarship makes this an indispensable textbook and reference work.
The volume contains many charts, study questions, and other aids, now enhanced by the new CD-ROM, which contains copious aids:

complete, searchable text of the book

glossary hyperlinked to the text of the book

NRSV hyperlinks

student assignments and discussion questions

a wealth of internet links

notetaking, bookmarking, and highlighting capabilities