This insightful work examines the variety of ways that comedy is employed in the Old Testament. Exploring the depths of a seldom-noticed aspect of biblical literature, this book reveals the subtle uses of parody and satire to subversive effect in six biblical books. (July)

Apart from the occasional recognition of comic forms or motifs in biblical dress, the vast majority of interpreters have usually discounted or even disdained the possibility of the Bible having any significant place for the comic vision. This book attempts to make amends for this short-sighted, prejudicial perspective.

Easy to read, The Comic Book Bible is an excellent book in which to expose teenagers to the Bible. Text and action pictures are faithful to the Bible and will invite young and old alike into a colorful and exciting experience of the Word of God.

Recognizing "a playful spirit" as part of our human makeup, Conrad Hyers shows how laughter and humor are integral to our serious study of the Bible. He opens the joy of understanding the Bible in its fullness. With the darker realities of the Bible -- sin, suffering, and death -- there coexists a lighter side -- laughter, humor, and playfulness. Competent biblical study requires both perspectives. This highly readable, preachable, and teachable work gives ministers, students, lay readers a valuable tool for recovering the spirit and offers a chance to share in the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love.

In comparison with other literary aspects of the Old Testament, humour has suffered much scholarly neglect. The present collection of essays (by the editors and ten other authors) argues that humour is plentiful in biblical literature and that many passages, indeed even whole books, can be properly understood only when the humorous intention of the author is acknowledged. This collection is a particularly interesting, innovative and provocative one.

In 1975, DC Comics published a comics adaptation of the Bible as part of a series of tabloid-sized comic books. This first book in the projected series adapted the earliest chapters of the book of Genesis, including the stories of The Garden of Eden, the Flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. While the adaptation never continued, this first volume has become something of a legend among collectors. Now, for the first time, DC reprints this hard-to-find classic in a deluxe hardcover edition.

The unique comic-style presentation provides an ideal introduction to the great stories and themes from the Bible. Give the perfect gift that will impact young hearts and minds for years to come.