This book delivers what it promises. In clear prose, Dr Noll offers an introduction in the art of history-writing and applies his theoretical insights to the evidence on past events in Canaan and Israel in Antiquity. His non-prejudiced position functions as an oasis amidst the heated and at times over-ideological debate on the (re)construction of Israel’s past. This second edition is not just a reprint of his earlier book. Noll has included new insights as well as recently discovered archaeological and epigraphic evidence in his inquiry of the past. I am looking to use this text-book in my undergraduate class soon.
Bob Becking, Utrecht University, The Netherlands Though a textbook addressed to students, this is an important book for biblical studies as a whole. After more than 40 years of crisis and debate, Noll presents here a history of ancient Canaan and Israel which is both sound and balanced. I would recommend it to all teachers in the field without reservation.
Thomas L. Thompson The strength of the book is not that Dr Noll has given the answer to the many questions he asks but that he has examined each question and each topic in detail and from every side, considering the possible solutions and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Both students and teachers will appreciate the detailed information and the challenging questions and guidance of this welcome textbook
Lester L. Grabbe, Professor Emeritus of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism at the University of Hull, UK