Using methods and techniques current in sociology, critical geography, sociolinguistics, and social psychology, Matthews (religious studies, Missouri State U.) analyzes the discourse found in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, such as the interchange between Judah and Tamar, Moses and Jethro's back-and-forth, public discourse in the confrontation between King Ahab and the prophet Micaiah, and the dialogues recorded in Daniel. Matthews examines what the conversations reflect about the personal status, age, gender, economic standing, and political position of the participants, and also discusses the physical and social setting, current events described in the narrative or understood as historical context for that episode, the implied and present audience, and social and legal barriers or requirements. For serious students of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in university and seminary settings, and those engaged in private study. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
