Description
Book SynopsisAcross the ancient and medieval literature of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, one finds references to the antediluvian sage Enoch. Both the Book of the Watchers and the Astronomical Book were long known from their Ethiopic versions, which are preserved as part of Mashafa Henok Nabiy (''Book of Enoch the Prophet'')--an Enochic compendium known in the West as 1 Enoch. Since the discovery of Aramaic fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls, these books have attracted renewed attention as important sources for ancient Judaism. Among the results has been the recognition of the surprisingly long and varied tradition surrounding Enoch. Within 1 Enoch alone, for instance, we find evidence for intensive literary creativity. This volume provides a comprehensive set of core references for easy and accessible consultation. It shows that the rich afterlives of Enochic texts and traditions can be studied more thoroughly by scholars of Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity as well as by scholars
Trade ReviewThis is a vital, mandatory resource for scholars working on anything having to do with Enoch and will prove to be of great use to anyone working on ancient and medieval literature and the early history of the occult sciences. * Dylan Burns, Freie Universität Berlin, Religious Studies Review *
...a comprehensive set of references, for easy and accessible consultation. * New Testament Abstracts *
the volume successfully delineates vital and dynamic strands in the Enochic traditions and legends that will aid future study and investigation. It provides valuable access to sources and traditions frequently overlooked in the study of the reception of primordial Enoch in antiquity and the Middle Ages within the three overarching religious traditions. The authors also successfully collate and thematize a wide range of sources from across a significant period of time and a number of religious, cultural and linguistic boundaries. This volume should therefore be a mainstay in the libraries of those interested in the reception of Enoch and should provide fertile ground for the continued study and investigation of the Enochic literature. * Alexander McCarron, Journal of Jewish Studies *
Readers interested in any of the aspects this volume touches upon and opens up, such as the history of Enoch, similarities and differences between the three Abrahamic traditions, religious ideologies, biblical interpretation, the original languages and their translation, will find this book to be of the utmost value. Reeves and Reed's resource enables and waits for tried-and-true traditional questions from new students, novel ones from old students, and anyone skilled to walk along Enoch's winding paths. * Theron Clay Mock III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Review of Biblical Literature *
As a reference work it will be indispensable for scholars both of the figure of Enoch and those interested in cultural transmission and contact in antiquity and the medieval period. * Arjan Sterken, Numen *
meticulously researched * Shai Secunda, Jewish Review of Books *
Annette Yoshiko Reed and John C. Reeves present the academic community with a valuable conglomeration of primary sources concerning the figure of Enoch in their work entitled Enoch from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, Volume I: Sources from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam ... Reed and Reeves's work successfully introduces the academic world to an Enoch who crosses the lines of literature, tradition, and space. * Sarah S. Eckert, Reading Religion *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Stock Epithets and Cross-cultural Cognomens 2: Enoch as Culture Hero: What Enoch Discovered, Learned, Taught, and Wrote 3: Enoch's Roles in Human Society 4: Enoch's Interactions with Angels 5: Enoch's Escape from Death 6: Enoch's Association or Equation with Other Figures 7: The Books of Enoch and their Reputation Bibliography
