"This book draws on the author's lifetime of experience in Biblical Studies to introduce in clear and simple terms some of the complex ideas and debates that have shaped the field in recent times. It succinctly introduces both the nature and background of the biblical text, making this an ideal book for anyone who wants to explore the Bible in more depth. Professor Barton understands how to read the Bible from both scholarly and faith-based perspectives, and students from many backgrounds will find this a stimulating and useful read."

- Andrew Village, York St John University, UK

"Barton manages to address heavy-weight topics with great care and clarity that can easily be approached by both academic students or interested readers. I highly recommend this second edition."

- Kirsi Cobb, Cliff College, UK

"This second edition of Barton's introduction succeeds in introducing the reader to the pitfalls and neuralgic points of current Biblical studies. It functions as an invitation to read the Bible [...] while, at the same time, encouraging one to ask how its future readers will resolve its many conundrums. It is hoped that many people read this book with an aim towards testing their preconceptions and general knowledge of the biblical text."

- Philipp Reisner, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany, Reading Religion