Peter Bolt explores the impact of Mark's Gospel on its early readers in the first-century Graeco-Roman world. His book focuses upon the thirteen characters in Mark who come to Jesus for healing or exorcism and, using analytical tools of narrative and reader-response criticism, explores their crucial role in the communication of the Gospel. Bolt suggests that early readers of Mark would be persuaded that Jesus' dealings with the suppliants show him casting back the shadow of death and that this in itself is preparatory for Jesus' final defeat of death in resurrection. Enlisting a variety of ancient literary and non-literary sources in an attempt to illuminate this first-century world, this book gives special attention to illness, magic and the Roman imperial system. This is a different approach to Mark, which attempts to break the impasse between narrative and historical studies and will appeal to scholars and students alike.

Review of the hardback:'… offers many new insights. There's a lot for most of us to learn from this book, and it opens up fascinating insights into ancient thought and culture.'

Source: European Journal of Theology

‘Friedeman’s book offers a fresh solution to the Christological puzzle of Luke 1–2. His insights into the intertextual use of Daniel offers a framework for mystery and revelation, making sense of what Luke is doing … Friedeman sets Luke’s introduction within Jewish apocalyptic traditions, elevates Mary’s role in discipleship and revelation for us today, and draws connections between Luke and Acts to show their coherence and the unity between them.’

Caleb Friedeman Source: spoiledmilks.com

'A review of this length cannot give sufficient coverage to such a rich volume of essays which covers so much territory, allows for so many different voices, attitudes and approaches, and raises so many issues. The authors display immense learning in dealing with their topics. I would consider the essay by Robinson to be a "classic" and it should gain its place on the required reading list of anyone interested in the study of early Islamic history. Berg is to be thanked for his work at bringing these essays together, his translation of the Muranyi text and his charitable attitude towards Motzki's criticisms. All those points are the mark of a real scholar.'

Andrew Rippin - University of Victoria