The pace of archaeological research in the lands of the Bible and the rapid development of its interpretation fully justifies the revision of Kenyon’s popular introductory survey within ten years of its original publication (1978). As one who dug with Kenyon and who shows evident respect for and loyalty to her opinions, Moorey was well placed to undertake this work now that Kenyon is sadly no longer with us to do it herself. However, he is even more qualified for the task because of encyclopedic knowledge of the field, his wide acquaintance with the vast body of relevant secondary literature and his willingness to depart from Kenyon’s often trenchantly expressed opinions when he believes that the evidence calls for such revision. The result is in effect a new work with three more chapters than the original, including the most welcome addition of one on the post-exilic and intertestamental periods. With 120 black and white illustrations, the whole is beautifully produced and reflects credit on the publishers.

As befits a museum publication, the work is aimed primarily at intelligent lay readers. It presupposes little prior knowledge of the subject, is written with clarity of style and without technical jargon (though a concise glossary of technical terms is included at the end), and without being dogmatic does not generally argue controversial topics in particular detail. Moorey fairly makesclear the major points at which opinions diverge, but this is not the place for detailed refutations of positions to which he does not subscribe. This will thus make a useful introductory textbook for students, though they will need to look elsewhere if they wish to take their studies beyond first principles.

When it comes to relating archaeology to the Bible, Moorey rightly insists that ‘the information provided by excavations proves nothing about the Biblical tradition’ (p. 18). While admitting that he is not a textual, literary or historical critic, he follows the consensus of moderate critical scholarship in these areas. He thus finds it difficult, for instance, to hold to a united conquest of Canaan under Joshua, suggesting instead that the Israelite settlement was ‘a protracted and complex process, varying from area to area, as indeed a careful reading of the Old Testament suggests’ (p. 76). At the same time, however, it should be noted that the nomadic infiltration theory, which he seems to favour, has come in for some severe criticism in recent years.

While readers of Themelios may thus wish to raise questions about some of Moorey’s conclusions, that should not detract from their finding here one of the most informative, up-to-date and readable introductions to the archaeological background to the Bible and the great deal of positive light which can be shed from this quarter on its setting and history.