Atkinson (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Josephus

NEW BOOK FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS:

The Oxford Handbook of Josephus

Edited by Kenneth Atkinson

Oxford Handbooks

$208.00
Hardcover
Published: 21 April 2026
462 Pages
6 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches
ISBN: 9780197539071

Also Available As:
E-book

• Examines Josephus' life, times, writings, and the influential figures and empires within them in the first volume to comprehensively cover this area of scholarship
• Includes extensive examinations of religious movements and their practices during Josephus' era
• Features emerging research in the study of Josephus that is currently reshaping the field

Description

A Jewish priest, a freedom fighter, a Roman citizen, a biblical scholar, and a traitor. Josephus (37-100 CE) has been called all these and more. A controversial figure in his time, Jews and Romans alike either admired or hated him. He is our major historian of the Greek and the Roman periods in the Middle East from the second century BCE to the late first century CE. In addition to documenting these eras, Josephus participated in many of the great events of his time. His eyewitness account of the 70 CE Roman destruction of the Jerusalem Temple is among the most dramatic narratives from antiquity. Among his extensive writings is the first autobiography in Western tradition and a detailed retelling of the Old Testament. No scholar or serious student of the Bible, classical literature, or ancient history can conduct their research without using Josephus' books. With its contributions from a diverse array of experts representing both established academics and the best of a promising generation of new scholars from four continents, the Oxford Handbook of Josephus will shape the direction of future research on Josephus, the Bible, Classics, Ancient History, and related fields.

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