With the rapid proliferation of new commentary series, surveys of this nature, when done well, prove invaluable. Longman’s is done very well. An introductory chapter surveys OT reference tools in a variety of categories; the bulk of the volume is a book-by-book analysis of the best commentaries of various purposes, levels and theological traditions. Longman, recommends good evangelical work where it is available; where it is not, he does not hesitate to point students to the best of more critical scholarship. The book concludes with three helpful appendices: ‘An OT Library on Budget’, ‘The Ideal OT Reference Library’ and ‘Five-Star Commentaries’—Longman’s ‘Top 14’. Among them appear G. Wenham, B. Childs, R. Hubbard, H. Williamson, D. Clines and J. Goldingay.

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