Stories from Ancient Canaan, Second Edition / Edition 2

by Michael D. Coogan, Mark S. Smith

Overview

The texts from ancient Ugarit are among the most important modern discoveries for understanding the Bible. For more than thirty years, Stories from Ancient Canaan has been recognized as a highly authoritative and readable presentation of the principal Canaanite myths and epics discovered at Ugarit. This fully revised edition takes into account advances in the reading, understanding, and interpretation of these stories since 1978. It also includes two additional texts, expanded introductions, and illustrations. Coogan and Smith have collaborated to bring this classic up to date in order to provide accessible and accurate translations of these texts for a new generation of students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664232429
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	03/15/2012
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	577,175
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Michael D. Coogan is Lecturer on Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Harvard Divinity School and Director of Publications for the Harvard Semitic Museum. Among other works, he is editor of The New Oxford Annotated Bible and Oxford Biblical Studies Online.

Mark S. Smith is Skirball Professor of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at New York University and author of many books. He was the 2010-11 President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction 1

The Tablets 3

The Gods and Goddesses of Ugarit 5

Poetry and Language 9

Ugarit and Ancient Israel 13

A Note on This Translation 18

Suggestions for Further Reading 19

A Note on Sources 22

Aqhat 26

Introduction 27

Text 34

Editorial Reviews

"Two highly regarded scholars of Ugaritic literature provide here a marvelous introduction to the classics of Ugaritic poetry. The translations are careful and authoritative, yet lively and accessible. The introductions orient the reader both to the context of this literature and to the nature of the individual compositions. Hands down, this is the best translation for teaching these texts in humanities and religious studies contexts." Carol A. Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Old Testament, Emory University

"The authors have provided us with a resource that will deepen readers' appreciation of the literary creativity and cultural contributions of the people who lived in the centuries before the biblical traditions emerged. Highly recommended for all readers interested in cultural and religious history." Douglas A. Knight, Drucilla Moore Buffington Professor of Hebrew Bible and Professor of Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University



"In its new, second edition, Stories from Ancient Canaan should become a textbook of choice for all students interested in the cultures of the biblical world. Everything in the book has been reconsidered, revised, and updated to reflect the latest scholarship. It is a pleasure to welcome back an old friend, and that in a sparkling new dress which will ensure its continued long life and value." Peter Machinist, Hancock Professor of Hebrew and Other Oriental Languages, Harvard University

"Stories from Ancient Canaan has remained one of the best presentations of Ugaritic texts since its first appearance. In this welcome new edition, the translations have been updated to reflect the great progress in Ugaritic studies over the past three decades, but they retain their wonderful freshness and accessibility." John Huehnergard, Professor Emeritus of Semitic Philology, Harvard University; Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, University of Texas at Austin

From the Publisher