Includes bibliographical references and index

Contents:

First things first-- What's in question?

"In Medias Res"-- the Era of the Hebrew Kingdoms

Home and away-- exile and return

The Empire strikes back-- Saul, David, and Solomon

Humble beginnings-- around and in Canaan

Lotus eating and moving on-- Exodus and covenant

Founding fathers or fleeting phantoms-- the patriarchs

A vitamin supplement-- prophets and prophecy

Back to Methuselah-- and well beyond

Last things last-- a few conclusions