In addition to a helpful glossary and an indispensable index, The Literary Guide features some useful and, in several instances,
excellent general essays such as Helen Elsom's superb treatment of the New Testament and Greco - Roman literature, Gerald L. Bruns's brilliant study of midrash and allegory, and an interesting essay by Alter on the characteristics of ancient Hebrew poetry.
The
essays presented here provide the
general reader with a flavor of the rich Muslim - Jewish relationship since early Islam, making this an
excellent reference for students and for
general readers looking for more depth than current media coverage provides.