In the light of dramatic new interpretative approaches to the Bible this guide to Job follows not only a range of new approaches to the text but also addresses the traditional historical questions and other topical issues.
Dell particularly highlights the problem of genre in understanding Job. She shows how problematic the term 'wisdom' is for this unique book, and argues that its radical sentiments earn it, rather, the title of 'parody'. Of all the biblical books it comes closest to tragedy, raising profound questions about its nature and place in the biblical canon.
Job's relationship to its ancient Near Eastern counterparts, notably in ancient Mesopotamia, are also closely examined and key theological themes that characterize the book are explored. Finally different approaches - feminist, liberationist, ecological and psychological - are outlined so as to illuminate and inform our own personal readings and generate ever fresh understandings of this enigmatic text.

Katharine Dell is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge University and Fellow of St. Catharine's College, Oxford.

Contents
1. Introduction
Key text: Job 1-2 The Prologue
2. Job as a Wisdom Book
Key text: Job 28 The Hymn to Wisdom
3. Job as Parody
Key text: Job's Speeches in the Dialogue
4. Job in the Context of the Ancient Near Eastern World
Key text: The Friends' Speeches in the Dialogue
5. Theological Issues Raised by the Book of Job
Key text:The Yahweh Speeches and Job's Responses
6. 'Reading' Job in a Postmodern World
Key text: Job 42.7-17 The Epilogue
Index of Authors
Index of Subjects