"This work describes and analyzes the extensive research on the origin, date, transmission and textual histories, and interrelationships of the primary Adam and Eve books. The "primary" Adam and Eve literature includes the Greek Apocalypse of Moses, the Latin Vita Adam et Evae, the Slavonic Vita Adam et Evae, the Armenian Penitence of Adam, the Georgian Book of Adam, and a fragmentary Coptic version. Like most of the Jewish pseudepigrapha, the transmission of this literature occured primarily in Christian contexts. The question is : how did this literature function in these contexts and by what criteria are the Adam and Eve books to be identified as either Jewish or Christian? Because of the complexity of the transmission history of the Adam and Eve books, this study has far-reaching implications regarding the later use and reshaping of Jewish pseudepigrapha. Includes an extensive bibliography." -- Publisher's description.

Jewish writings from the period of Second Temple present a rich and complex variety of first-hand materials. Here, the editors have updated their classic sourcebook on Jewish beliefs and practices to take into account current thinking about the sources.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

“Endlessly illuminating and a sheer pleasure to read.” —Jack Miles, author of God: A Biography Daring to take the great biblical account of human origins seriously, but without credulity The most influential story in Western cultural history, the biblical account of Adam and Eve is now treated either as the sacred possession of the faithful or as the butt of secular jokes. Here, acclaimed scholar Stephen Greenblatt explores it with profound appreciation for its cultural and psychological power as literature. From the birth of the Hebrew Bible to the awe-inspiring contributions of Augustine, Dürer, and Milton in bringing Adam and Eve to vivid life, Greenblatt unpacks the story’s many interpretations and consequences over time. Rich allegory, vicious misogyny, deep moral insight, narrow literalism, and some of the greatest triumphs of art and literature: all can be counted as children of our “first” parents.

The First Book of Adam and Eve, written by Rutherford Platt, is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the beginning of humanity. This book delves into the story of Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God in the Garden of Eden, as told in the Book of Genesis. However, unlike traditional interpretations, Platt’s retelling of this biblical tale explores the inner thoughts and emotions of these iconic figures, giving readers a deeper understanding of their actions and the consequences of their choices. Platt’s writing style is captivating and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Adam and Eve and allowing them to experience their journey firsthand. Through vivid descriptions and richly detailed imagery, we are transported to the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden and can almost feel the warm sun on our skin and smell the sweet scents of the fruit trees. But as the story progresses and Adam and Eve face challenges and temptations, the tone shifts to one of tension and uncertainty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. One of the most striking aspects of this book is the way in which it humanizes Adam and Eve. Rather than being seen as perfect and faultless beings, they are portrayed as complex individuals with flaws and doubts, making their story relatable and relevant to modern-day readers. Platt’s portrayal of Eve, in particular, challenges traditional views of her as the temptress who caused the downfall of humanity. Instead, she is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is curious and eager to learn, but also vulnerable and struggling to find her place in the world. In addition to its literary merits, The First Book of Adam and Eve also offers a wealth of educational value. Not only does it provide a fascinating retelling of a well-known biblical story, but it also raises important questions and prompts critical thinking about the nature of God, humanity, and the relationship between the two. By going beyond the surface level of the biblical account, Platt encourages readers to delve deeper and examine the moral and philosophical implications of this ancient tale. Overall, The First Book of Adam and Eve is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the biblical story of creation in a fresh and thought-provoking way. Platt’s masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this book an invaluable resource for educators and students alike, offering a unique perspective on a foundational story of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is a timeless work that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

"We need a real Adam and Eve if we are to make sense of the Bible and of life," argues C. John Collins. Examining the biblical storyline as the worldview story of the people of God, Collins shows how that story presupposes a real Adam and Eve and how the modern experience of life points to the same conclusion. Applying well-informed critical thinking to common theological and scientific questions, Collins asserts the importance of a real man at the beginning in God's plan for creation, a plan that includes "redemption" for all people since sin entered the world. Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? addresses both biblical and Jewish texts and contains extensive appendices to examine how the material in Genesis relates to similar material from Mesopotamian myths. Collins's detailed analysis of the relevant texts will instill confidence in readers that the traditional Christian story equips them better than any alternatives to engage the life that they actually encounter in the modern world.

This volume is a collection of articles by some of the foremost scholars in the field, dealing with the rich variety of Adam and Eve-traditions, from "The Life of Adam and Eve" onwards to late medieval writings in Armenian.