Description
Book SynopsisFrancesca Rochberg has for more than thirty-five years been a leading figure in the study of ancient science. Her foundational insights on the concepts of “science,” “canon,” “celestial divination,” “knowledge,” “gods,” and “nature” in cuneiform cultures have demanded continual contemplation on the tenets and assumptions that underlie the fields of Assyriology and the History of Science. “The Scaffolding of Our Thoughts” honors this luminary with twenty essays, each reflecting on aspects of her work. Following an initial appraisal of ancient “science” by Sir Geoffrey Lloyd, the contributions in the first half explore practices of knowledge in Assyriological sources. The second half of the volume focuses specifically on astronomical and astrological spheres of knowledge in the Ancient Mediterranean. "This excellent Festschrift, dedicated to Francesca Rochberg, offers fascinating insight into the world of ancient magic and divination." -Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 43.5 (2019)
Trade Review“This excellent Festschrift, dedicated to Francesca Rochberg, offers fascinating insight into the world of ancient magic and divination. (…) The volume contains 20 essays, all of consistently high quality (…)” - Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, in Society for Old Testament Study Book List 2019
Table of ContentsContents Acknowledgments IX Introduction 1 A Status Quaestionis on the Formation of the Canon of the Hebrew Bible 2 Some Preliminary Clarifications 3 Methodology and Structure 1 The Twenty-Two Books of the Jews According to Josephus 1 The Passage of the Against Apion 2 The Twenty-Two Books Outside the Against Apion 3 Josephus and Some Books on the Borderline of the Canon 2 The Ninety-Four Books of the Torah According to 4 Ezra 1 Introduction to 4 Ezra 2 Coordinates for a Comprehensive Understanding of 4 Ezra 3 The Characterization of Ezra 4 Function and Meaning of the Ninety-Four Books 5 Historical Context and Social Function of 4 Ezra 6 Fourth Ezra and the Canon of the Hebrew Bible 3 Comparison and Conclusions 1 A Short Comparison between Josephus and 4 Ezra on the Books 2 Elements for an Hypothesis Bibliography
