The Dead Sea Scrolls in English. G. Vermes. Penguin Books.

The Dead Sea Scrolls in English. G. Vermes. Penguin Books. 2ª Ed. Many books have been written about the Dead SeaScrolls since their discovery in 1947, but until nowthe ordinary reader has had little opportunity to get to know the texts themselves, and so to make any personal judgement of their value or relevance. In this volume a clear, faithful translation of the nonbiblical scrolls from the Qumran caves is accompanied by a brief introductory comment on each, and by a general description of the beliefs, customs,organization and history of the community theyderive from. The teaching of this sect, the Jewish schismatics, sheds the light of comparison and contrast on to that of their contemporaries, the Christian dissenters, and also on to the mother faith of both Palestinian Judaism. This book reveals the Dead Sea Scrolls as fascinating and unique documents.