Poetics, the 'science' of literature, makes us aware of how texts achieve their meaning. Poetics aids interpretation. If we know how texts mean, we are in a better position to discover what a particular text means. This is a book which offers fundamental guidelines for the sensitive reading and understanding of biblical stories.

"Adele Berlin has written one of the very best books on Biblical narrative (She has) an unusual gift of brevity, clarity and com-pression A confirmation that much understanding can be found in few words."-Religious Studies Bulletin

"The author leads us painlessly through definitions to illustrations from selected biblical stories... This readable book . makes a good introduction to the literary study of the bible."-The Society for Old Testament Study Booklist

"Intelligently conceived and structured as a primer (it) can also be recommended for students at more advanced levels of study."— Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"Much to ponder and argue for specialists; for non-specialists a clear and cogent introduction to a central discipline in biblical studies."-Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

"Another study of Hebrew narrative that excels in the literary sensitivity that has sometimes been denied by O.T. scholarship.' Vetus Testamentum

"A fascinating study. This book deserves to be widely read... A

creative insight into one of the most important parts of the biblical tradition." Expository Times

"C'est un ouvrage essentiel."-Études Théologiques

Honorable Mention in the Biblical Archaeology Review award for Best Book on the Old Testament, 1984.

Adele Berlin is Associate Professor of Hebrew, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.