Writing and Literacy in the World of Ancient Israel: Epigraphic Evidence from the Iron Age

Rollston (Old Testament and Semitic studies, Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, TN) presents an introduction to Semitic epigraphy focusing on northwest Semitic. With many examples and pictures, he explains the development of the alphabet and its use by several languages and dialect groups. Difficulties in accurate transcription are shown as is the problematic nature of translation. Rollston also stresses the importance of paleography and epigraphy in the understanding of history: events, names, regional dialects, economics and culture. Ostraca were the shopping lists and e-mails of the ancient world. Rollston argues, however, that literacy was not as widespread as others have claimed. Scribes, military officers, priests, some of the upper classes and merchants probably were literate but not farmers and shepherds. He concludes with a plea not to trust any epigraphic material bought in the marketplace. Much of it is forged and that which isn't has no provenance to link it to a site. A glossary and bibliography are included. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Christopher A. Rollston holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from the Johns Hopkins University. He is the editor of the scholarly journal MAARAV, has published widely in the field of epigraphy, and co-chairs the Epigraphy Sessions at the annual meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research. He is currently the Toyozo W. Nakarai Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Studies at Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee.