What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls and Why Do They Matter?

The Dead Sea Scrolls are on exhibit; thousands will journey to see them. But will they understand what they see? Certainly, scholarly volumes on the Dead Sea Scrolls abound, full of indices, footnotes, and jargon for those in the know. What about the majority of the population -- non-specialists who just want a basic understanding of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are, what they mean, and why they're so important? Finally, here is a book for the rest of us!David Noel Freedman and Pam Fox Kuhlken offer a slim but thorough volume for a down-and-dirty understanding of these important texts. Designed to equip students in religion, history, archaeology, and any who have an interest in the scrolls, Freedman and Kuhlken have provided a fascinating and accessible guidebook.Full of humor and behind-the-scenes glimpses into research on the Scrolls, "So What's Up with the Dead Sea Scrolls?" is the perfect book for readers who want a quick understanding of an otherwise untouchable subject.

David Noel Freedman holds the Endowed Chair in Hebrew Biblical Studies at the University of California, San Diego.