The Art of Biblical Narrative

by Robert Alter
The Art of Biblical Narrative cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 7619
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780465022557
  • Publisher: Basic Books
  • Published: 2011-04-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter revolutionizes the way we view the Hebrew Bible, presenting it as a cohesive literary work of art. Alter employs innovative devices such as parallelism, contrastive dialogue, and narrative tempo to tell the story of the revelation of a single god. This book has expanded the horizons of biblical scholarship by offering a fresh, literary criticism perspective on the Bible. /n/n Alter's work is not just a scholarly analysis but also a testament to the Bible's enduring literary value. By focusing on the artistic aspects of biblical narratives, Alter provides a new lens through which readers can appreciate the Bible's profound and revolutionary story. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature and religion.

Reviews
Patrick Treardon · Patrick Treardon · 2018-02-01
intriguing 3.00

The book is described as a mix of contradictions and a cryptic conciseness. It is seen as an abiding mystery.

Patrick Treardon's review paints a picture of a book that is both intriguing and perplexing. They note that Alter's work is filled with contradictions that add layers of complexity to the reading experience. The cryptic conciseness of the narrative is highlighted as a significant aspect, making the book an abiding mystery that invites multiple readings. Treardon's perspective suggests that the book is not straightforward but rewards the reader with a deeper understanding of biblical narratives through its enigmatic qualities.

Quick quotes

    A mess of contradictions

    The cryptic conciseness of the narrative

    An abiding mystery

Chadashby · 2014-03-26
insightful 4.50

The book reawakened the appreciation for the beauty of biblical narrative. The illustrations are powerful and insightful.

This reviewer found that the book beautifully highlights the narrative artistry within the biblical texts. They particularly appreciated how Alter's analysis brought out the subtle nuances and literary techniques used in the Hebrew Bible. The illustrations mentioned are not just decorative but serve to deepen the understanding of the text, making it a more enriching read. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the literary aspects of biblical narratives.

Quick quotes

    Alter has reawakened my appreciation for the beauty of biblical narrative.

    Throughout my summary, I have omitted the powerful illustrations that accompany the text.

    This book is a treasure trove for those interested in the literary artistry of the Bible.

Theopolis Institute · 1992-05-17
brilliant 4.75

The book is praised for its brilliant observations on the narrative mode. It conveys a sense of God's comprehensive knowledge.

This review from Theopolis Institute highlights the brilliant observations made by Robert Alter regarding the narrative mode in the Hebrew Bible. The reviewer appreciates how Alter's analysis conveys a sense of both the comprehensive knowledge of God and the human experience. The book is seen as a cohesive literary work that uses innovative devices to convey deep theological and literary insights. The review suggests that Alter's work is a valuable contribution to the understanding of biblical narratives, offering a unique perspective that enriches the reader's appreciation of the text.

Quick quotes

    Alter makes the brilliant observation that the very mode of narration conveys the sense of both the comprehensive knowledge of God and the human experience.

    The book is a cohesive literary work that uses innovative devices.

    A valuable contribution to the understanding of biblical narratives.

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