Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther

Name: Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther
Brand: Bloomsbury Publishing PTY Ltd
SKU: 9780755603022
Price: 58.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Achaemenid Court Culture in the Hebrew Bible

By Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones

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4.08

( 12 ratings, 2 reviews)

Summary

Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther presents a cultural and iconographic exploration of the biblical Book of Esther, revealing its creation in the Fourth Century BCE within the Achaemenid Persian court. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones illuminates the historical context behind Esther, shedding light on the court’s political dynamics, the role of concubines, the structure of the harem, and the functions of feasting and gift-giving as expressions of royal power. This study offers unique insights into ancient Persian life and enriches understanding of this often overlooked biblical text.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$58⁹⁹

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Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther

$58⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is suited to readers interested in biblical studies, Ancient Near Eastern history, and cultural iconography, particularly scholars and students seeking to understand the Persian context of the Book of Esther. It appeals to those looking for a scholarly yet accessible examination of the intersection between Ancient Persia and biblical narratives.

Description

A Spectator 2023 Book of the Year

Esther is the most visual book of the Hebrew Bible and was largely crafted in the Fourth Century BCE by an author who was clearly au fait with the rarefied world of the Achaemenid court. It therefore provides an unusual mélange of information which can enlighten scholars of Ancient Iranian Studies whilst offering Biblical scholars access into the Persian world from which the text emerged.

In this book, Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones unlocks the text of Esther by reading it against the rich iconographic world of ancient Persia and of the Near East. Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther is a cultural and iconographic exploration of an important, but often undervalued, biblical book. Llewellyn-Jones presents the book of Esther as a rich source for the study of life and thought in the Persian Empire.

The author reveals answers to important questions, such as the role of the King’s courtiers in influencing policy, the way concubines at court were recruited, the structure of the harem in shifting the power of royal women, the function of feasting and drinking in the articulation of courtly power, and the meaning of gift-giving and patronage at the Achaemenid court.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Experts praise Llewellyn-Jones’s work for its deep grasp of Persian cultural context and its significant contribution to both biblical scholarship and Ancient Iranian studies. Aaron Koller highlights its indispensability for those studying Esther, while Matthew A. Collins notes its accessibility and detailed cultural analysis that benefits historians and biblical scholars alike. The book is also recognised for fostering a better understanding of peaceful historical ties between Persians and Jews.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780755603022

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: I.B. Tauris

Illustration: 150 bw illus

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 440g

Pages: 280

Collections

Ancient & Classical History Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality

About the Author

Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is Professor of Ancient History in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University, where he is also the Director of Civic Mission and Innovation. His publications include the books, Aphrodite's Tortoise: the Veiled Woman of Ancient Greece, Ctesias' History of Persia: Tales of the Orient and King and Court in Ancient Persia. He has worked with the BBC, Channel 4 and the History Channel as an historical advisor.

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Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther

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