Saturday, January 17, 2015

What I've been reading - Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post Biblical times (A - Da)

Who doesn't like reading a good dictionary? I've read through many Bible Dictionaries and similar resources. The IVP Bible Dictionary series is still one of my go-to's but I've got to say this volume (and the 2 forthcoming) hits a very different segment of information. One of the interesting features is that you don't find many topics in here directly addressed or found in scripture but rather topics that provided a backdrop to many of the events found in scripture. The topics tend to be what the title indicates, items of daily life that simply fill in the background. With topics such as Aging, beards & shaving, banquets, child-birth and dancing one is given the colours to fill some of daily details of life in biblical times. One of the greatest features of this series has to be the price point. With the first volume under $20, one should be able to pick up the completed set for under $60. My understanding is the two subsequent volumes are scheduled for 2015 and 2016.