Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 272
•
Trim: 6 x 9
978-0-7425-6227-1 • Paperback • October 2010 • $44.00 • (£35.00)
978-0-7425-9979-6 • eBook • July 2009 • $41.50 • (£35.00)
Glenn S. Holland is professor of religious studies at Allegheny College. He is also the creator of the Teaching Company's popular lecture series 'Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World.'
List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Time Line
Preface
Introduction: Religion and Its Characteristic Expression
Section 1: Egypt
Chapter 1: Egypt: Historical Survey
Chapter 2: Egypt: The Gods and the World They Made
Chapter 3: Egypt: The King and Royal Power
Chapter 4: Egypt: The World of the Dead
Chapter 5: Egypt: The Human World
Section 2: Mesopotamia
Chapter 6: Mesopotamia: Historical Survey
Chapter 7: Mesopotamia: The Gods and the World They Made
Chapter 8: Mesopotamia: The World of Kings and Heroes
Chapter 9: Mesopotamia: The World of the Dead
Chapter 10: Mesopotamia: The Human World
Section 3: Syria-Palestine
Chapter 11: Syria-Palestine: Historical Survey
Chapter 12: Syria-Palestine: The Gods and the World They Made
Chapter 13: Syria-Palestine: Kings and Prophets
Chapter 14: Syria-Palestine: Suffering and Death
Chapter 15: Syria-Palestine: The Human World
Conclusion: Change and Continuity in the Hellenistic Age
Bibliography for Further Reading
Glossary
Index
With so much contemporary attention focused on the Middle East, the time is opportune for a clear, well-written, up-to-date introduction to its earlier counterpart, the ancient Near East. Holland magnificently succeeds in providing such a work. . . . Holland's writing is free of jargon; all terms, including religion, are carefully defined, and the volume offers many aids, including maps, a time line, and glossary. . . . Highly recommended.
— Choice Reviews, March 2010
I selected Gods in the Desert as one of the texts for my course in Middle Eastern Civilizations. There is no other book like it out there, and it is successful in distilling so much material into such a brief and accessible book. The writing is clear, avoids jargon, and really informs. It fills a real void in undergraduate texts.
— Curtis F. Morgan Jr., Lord Fairfax Community College
A valuable introduction for students and general readers alike. Glenn Holland's accessible prose and carefully structured approach take the reader on an engaging journey through time across Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Syria-Palestine. His exploration of key themes, thoughtful treatment of celebrated primary sources, and judicious handling of history combine effectively to map out the religious and cultural landscape of these fascinating regions.
— Dexter E. Callender Jr., University of Miami
Survey books tend to oversimplify, but this book provides a nuanced presentation of ancient religious practice. If used for undergraduate teaching, this book would be useful as a resource, providing general descriptions of ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions.
— Historian
- Includes useful tools for reference, including four maps of the region, a glossary of key terms, a timeline of critical events, and an index.
- Brings ancient stories like The Epic of Gilgamesh to life through rich historical context.