Do Old Testament poetry and narrative, wisdom-writing and prophecy work on us in the same way as do nonbiblical literary texts? Competent readers over the centuries have arrived at conflicting answers to this question. Some (from Longinus on) have maintained that biblical books offer examples of supreme literary art; others have passionately rejected this approach, insisting that beauty and pleasure are not the Bible's business. Poetry with a Purpose argues that, paradoxically, both views are right. Biblical poetics is ...
Read More
Do Old Testament poetry and narrative, wisdom-writing and prophecy work on us in the same way as do nonbiblical literary texts? Competent readers over the centuries have arrived at conflicting answers to this question. Some (from Longinus on) have maintained that biblical books offer examples of supreme literary art; others have passionately rejected this approach, insisting that beauty and pleasure are not the Bible's business. Poetry with a Purpose argues that, paradoxically, both views are right. Biblical poetics is marked by an unusual tension between aesthetic and nonaesthetic (even anti-aesthetic) modes of discourse. To understand this dialectic is to understand something quite fundamental about biblical texts and, more particularly, about the nature of the contract that governs their reading. The text summons the reader to respond to a familiar form but at the same instant undermines that response, deconstructs that form. The book of Ester, for example, displays the conventions of the Persian epic tradition, but its style is subtly challenged by the text itself. Similarly, the book of Job might seem to conform to the classical concept of tragedy but ultimately presents a uniquely biblical version of the form. While the prophets use the language of myth, they will often explode or "demythologize" their own language, affirming purposed at variance with the world of myth. Harold Fisch applies his remarkably fruitful thesis to a number of biblical texts and modes, among them biblical pastoral, the Song of Songs, Psalms, Hosea, and Ecclesiastes. Equally at home in biblical studies and in general literature and theory, the author has produced a highly original work of unusual range and scholarship.
Read Less
Add this copy of Poetry with a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $7.95, good condition, Sold by isbnbooks rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Eugene, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Indiana University Press.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $8.82, good condition, Sold by Open Books Ltd rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Indiana University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that provides literacy experiences for thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and creative capitalization of books.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $8.84, fair condition, Sold by Orion Tech rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Arlington, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Indiana University Press.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $15.00, Sold by Windows Booksellers rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Eugene, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1988 by Indiana University Press.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $18.04, very good condition, Sold by UHR Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hollis Center, ME, UNITED STATES, published 1988 by Indiana University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. No Jacket. Book SCARCE! ! ! ! ! Small corner crease on lower front cover, with minor scuffs and soils on exterior. An in depth study on the poetry of Holy scriptures, discussing their literary significance and, more specifically, particular styles and forms. 205 pages.
Add this copy of Poetry with a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $19.74, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Indiana University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $31.77, very good condition, Sold by Kennys.ie rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Galway, IRELAND, published 1988 by Indiana University Press.
Add this copy of Poetry With a Purpose: Biblical Poetics and to cart. $35.02, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Indiana University Press.
