INTRODUCTION TO THE PENTATEUCH makes sense of the current muddle in Pentateuchal studies by introducing students to the contents and themes of the first five books of the Bible. Boldly analyzing the cutting edge of current literary, histori-cal, and sociological approaches to Pentateuchal criticism, R. Norman Whybray stresses the meaning of the Pentateuch in its canonical form while remaining sensi-tive to its literary merit, theological import, and compelling power.

"Following up on his Making of the Pentateuch, Whybray here presents in a more accessible form to the general, educated reader interested in the study of the Bible a review of the present though very uncertain state of Pentateuchal studies. He takes us through the five books in order, discusses with admirable clarity the complicated process by which they reached their present form, evaluates the leading hypotheses with respect to the historical character of the Pentateuchal narrative, and draws to-gether some of the Pentateuch's major theological themes. This book fulfills exactly what its title promises and, as such, can be recommended without reservation."

-JOSEPH BLENKINSOPP University of Notre Dame

"Whybray's book provides a clear, readable, and helpful introductory survey of Pentateuchal criticism. For those seeking to understand quickly the major approaches to the Pentateuch in the last century, this book will be extremely useful, especially for the beginning student."

-PAUL BARKER Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia