Synopses & Reviews
From the stories, poetry, and wisdom of the Bible has arisen much of our contemporary culture. From its teachings, many of us have framed the guideposts of our lives. In
The Illustrated Hebrew Bible, Dr. Ellen Frankel, Editor-in-Chief of the
Jewish Publication Society, presents 75 stories from the major narratives of the Bible, capturing the rhythm and drama of this ancient Hebrew text.
The stories told here forty from the Torah, thirty-five from Prophets and Writings begin with the creation of the world and move through Israel's history, ending with return to the Promised Land from foreign exile. These allegories, parables, and folktales have been retold in a lyrical English that every reader will find accessible.
No other literature has inspired more artistic expression than the Bible. From centuries-old synagogue mosaics to the most contemporary paintings and sculpture, biblical themes have held pride of place in the art of every western nation. The Illustrated Hebrew Bible, in 240 pages and with more than 130 full-color reproductions, features a stunning range of images from ancient artifacts and illuminated Hebrew manuscripts to Renaissance paintings and the art of today. Works by renowned artists such as William Blake, Rembrandt, Jack Levine, Marc Chagall, and Harry Lieberman enrich and deepen our understanding of the biblical text. This unique pairing of art and narration will entertain and inspire all who join in celebrating the greatest story every told.
Review
"Not just another translation of the Bible...culls 75 of the most compelling stories...and pairs them with lush art." Jewish Monthly
About the Author
Ellen Frankel, currently the Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society and a professional storyteller, has published six books on Jewish topics: two collections of short stories for young people, Choosing To Be chosen and Tell It Like It Is (co-authored with her daughter, Sarah Levine); The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols (co-authored with artist/calligrapher Betsy Teutsch); The Classic Tales: Four Thousand Years of Jewish Lore, The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman's Commentary on the Torah; she most recently edited The Jewish Spirit: A Celebration of Stories and Art. The author received her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University in 1978 and has taught at numerous universities. She has also lectured widely at schools, synagogues, colleges, museums, and Jewish community centers, and has told stories on regional radio programs as well as National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition."