‘Written in a lively and engaging manner … makes the reading of dry, often impenetrable, fragments come alive’ – Society for Old Testament Study

Ever since the first scrolls were found in the Judaean desert by a Bedouin shepherd in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been the subject of passionate speculation and controversy. The possibility that they might challenge many assumptions about ancient Judaism and the origins of Christianity, coupled with the extremely limited access to the scrolls imposed for many years, only fuelled debate on their meanings.

This is the first fully illustrated survey of all the major Dead Sea Scrolls. Written by acknowledged experts in the field it includes:

• A catalogue of the scrolls, including the Copper Scroll, Community Rule, Temple Scroll and numerous others
• Historical and religious insight into the period of authorship, from Babylon to Bar Kokhba
• Investigation into ancient Qumran, the authorship of the scrolls and their significance for modern Judaism and Christianity
• Guide to expert interpretation of the manuscripts using palaeography, Carbon-14 dating and computer reconstructions
• Factfiles, tables, reconstructions, scroll photographs and a guide to where to see the scrolls today

See the complete list of contents

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