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OverviewEsther is the most visual book of the Hebrew Bible and 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 melange 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, and 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. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones (Cardiff University, UK)Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Imprint: I.B. Tauris ISBN: 9780755603022ISBN 10: 0755603028 Pages: 280 Publication Date: 06 April 2023 Audience: College/higher education , Tertiary & Higher Education Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: Manufactured on demand  We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier. Table of ContentsIntroduction Why Iconography? The Book of Esther: A New English Translation Exegesis i: The Persian Empire ii: Jews in a Persian world iii: The Book of Records: Persian perceptions of their past iv: Persian Kingship v: Susa and the palaces of Persia vi: Laws and Governance; tax and tribute vii: Banquets: drinking and feasting viii: Gardens - Paradeisoi ix: Couches and cups ; thrones and sceptres x: Courtiers xi: Vashti and her women xii: Elite women at the Persian court xiii: Royal concubinage xiv: Beauty and sexuality xv: Eunuchs xvi: The royal gate xvii: Royal protocol: audiences and formality xviii: The royal robe and gift-giving xix: Persian horses xx: Signet rings and seals xxi: Communications xxii: Peace and rebellion xxiii: Punishments and execution Epilogue: Visualising Esther in the post-Persian world (5,000 words)ReviewsBiblical scholars know that the Persian context is relevant and significant for understanding the rich narrative of Esther, but most are not trained in the art and archaeology of the Achaemenid world. Llewellyn-Jones, who is so well at home in the Persian cultural context, makes a major contribution to scholarship on Esther, and to the Persian period in biblical studies more generally, with this book. This is indispensable for anyone working on Esther. * Aaon Koller, Yeshiva University, USA * Biblical scholars know that the Persian context is relevant and significant for understanding the rich narrative of Esther, but most are not trained in the art and archaeology of the Achaemenid world. Llewellyn-Jones, who is so well at home in the Persian cultural context, makes a major contribution to scholarship on Esther, and to the Persian period in biblical studies more generally, with this book. This is indispensable for anyone working on Esther. * Aaron Koller, Yeshiva University, USA * In this accessible and well-illustrated volume, Llewellyn-Jones explores and unpacks the distinctively Persian setting of the Esther narrative. With a particular focus on the early chapters, he provides a detailed cultural and iconographic companion to the biblical book of Esther, one which helpfully illuminates for historians and biblical scholars alike the broader Achaemenid context of the narrative. * Matthew A. Collins, Senior Lecturer in Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism, University of Chester, UK * Lloyd Llewellyn Jones uses his profound knowledge of ancient Persian culture to shine new light on the book of Esther, highlighting the rich iconography of the Persian court that flavours the Judaeo-Christian text, and setting the Biblical story within the context of the region to provide deeper understanding of this fascinating book. * Lisa Maurice, Bar-Ilan University, Israel * Author InformationLloyd 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. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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