This profusely illustrated book is doubly valuable. It introduces the reader to both the content of the Bible and to the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. The volume includes black and white photographic illustrations, a full subject-oriented bibliography for further reading, and the Westminster Historical Maps of Bible Lands. It is divided in four parts. Part One is an overall introduction to the study of the Bible, including the techniques of biblical criticism. Part Two is about the life, faith and literature of ancient Israel from the earliest times to the end of the Babylonian exile. Part Three covers the history of the restored Jewish community from the days of the return through the early years of Roman rule, with a look at some apocryphal and apocalyptic literature. Part four cover the life and literature of early Christianity from Jesus' life and ministry and Paul's contributions to early Christian theology and the church'smission, to the growing hostility between church and state, the persecution of Christians, and the church's development of an orthodox faith and a more institutionalized structure.